New Business Support Initiatives Launch in Brazil to Boost Startups and Small Enterprises

In late 2025, Brazil has seen the introduction of significant initiatives to support its small businesses and startups, focusing on financial credit lines and incubation programs.

Angela de Empreendedorismo de Pernambuco (AGE) launched the Cred Noronha credit line on October 10, tailored for residents of Fernando de Noronha. This program offers financial support to local entrepreneurs facing high operational costs and logistical difficulties. Informal entrepreneurs can access up to R$ 8,000, while formal businesses may receive up to R$ 21,000. The credit comes with a subsidized interest rate of just 0.60% per month for timely repayments. Eligibility requires residency status and proper registration with the island's administration. AGE will also provide on-site agents to assist with credit applications. Additionally, the Empreendetur program supports business creation or expansion, offering up to R$ 3 million without requiring external investors. Local business owners like Patrícia Dias have welcomed these initiatives as valuable opportunities to enhance their enterprises.

Simultaneously, the Apollo Incubadora de Negócios has kept its application window open until December 15 for innovative business projects aiming to join its incubation program at the UPF Parque Científico e Tecnológico in Passo Fundo. Open to individuals or legal entities with creative or technological business models—at any stage from idea to initial market validation—the program offers mentoring, specialized infrastructure, and training. Applicants will undergo document evaluation and interviews, with selected participants signing contracts with Fundação Universidade de Passo Fundo to start the program in February 2026.

Apollo is also expanding in 2025 with the Passo Fundo Valley project, which will increase innovation infrastructure to more than 7,000 square meters, featuring coworking spaces, laboratories, maker areas, and communal areas. Over the past decade, Apollo has supported more than 110 projects through pre-incubation and incubation stages, graduated 20 companies, and accelerated four ventures. Notably, startups linked to the incubator raised around R$ 1.5 million in the last two years.