New Initiatives Boost Brazil’s Small Businesses in Global Markets Amid Work Schedule Reforms

Brazil is advancing significant support for its micro and small enterprises (MPEs) to enter and sustain international markets, alongside major labor reforms aimed at improving business adaptability. A recent seminar titled "Caminhos para a Globalização," organized by FecomercioSP’s International Relations Council, underscored the critical need for training, market intelligence, product adaptation, and robust logistics to assist MPEs in global expansion. Floriano Pesaro from ApexBrasil revealed that from 2022 to 2025, the number of MPEs receiving internationalization support surged 59.7%, from 7,565 to 12,084. Exports by these businesses grew from $239.3 million to $602.1 million, marking a notable 150% increase, with exporting MPEs rising from 740 to 1,160. Programs like the Programa de Qualificação para Exportação (Peiex) prepared over 3,400 businesses in 2025, with 65% being micro and small enterprises. Additionally, new initiatives such as Apex+Perto are providing personalized online export consulting to further empower these businesses.

Complementing these economic strides, Brazil’s Federal Senate promulgated the constitutional amendment EC 141/2026, officially ending the 6×1 work schedule and reducing the workweek to 40 hours. This labor reform, seen as enhancing workers’ quality of life and dignity, will be implemented in phases: reducing hours first to 42 within 60 days and then to 40 after a year and two months. Senate President Davi Alcolumbre emphasized the priority of humane working conditions, while the Chamber of Deputies’ president, Hugo Motta, highlighted accommodations for micro and small enterprises, including raised revenue caps for micro-entrepreneurs (MEI).

To support businesses through this transition, Sebrae launched resources and programs like "Brazil More Productive," aimed at boosting productivity and cutting operational costs. Sebrae’s president, Décio Lima, hailed the amendment as a victory for both workers and the economy, noting that these reforms would stimulate growth and help small businesses adapt efficiently.

The convergence of enhanced internationalization support and labor reforms outlines Brazil’s strategic approach to fostering competitiveness and sustainability for its small businesses in a globalized economy. The focus remains on equipping MPEs to thrive internationally while ensuring more humane and productive domestic work conditions.