New Initiatives Empower Small Businesses and Women Entrepreneurs Across Brazil

Brazil is witnessing a surge in support programs aimed at empowering small businesses and entrepreneurs, with notable efforts spanning digital training, community resource centers, and social initiatives for women.

Shopee and Sebrae recently expanded their free online training program, which since 2025 has helped over 1,700 micro and small entrepreneurs transition to digital sales. The latest phase adds six new modules covering finance, logistics, digital marketing, and cash flow management. Sebrae president Rodrigo Soares emphasized the necessity of digital presence for competitiveness following the pandemic's push towards e-commerce. Shopee’s Felipe Lima pointed to the program’s alignment with over 3 million sellers on their platform, responsible for 95% of Brazil’s marketplace sales. Success stories, such as Wilker Sousa Borges’ pivot from physical to online fashion retail, highlight the program’s tangible benefits.

In Maranhão, the inauguration of the Sala do Empreendedor in Barão de Grajaú signals local government and Sebrae collaboration to boost small business formalization. Operating weekdays with services like documentation, guidance, and training, the center received praise from Mayor Antônio Carlos for creating new entrepreneurial opportunities. Local entrepreneur José Neto and Sebrae’s Diego Medeiros both recognized the Sala’s role in fostering economic growth and improving the business environment.

Female entrepreneurship is gaining momentum in Northern Brazil, where many women start businesses from home to balance income with family responsibilities. Arliete Cabral, who produces candles and biocosmetics in Manaus, exemplifies this trend. The Consulado da Mulher launched the "Elas no Território" program, supported by a R$ 5.3 million BNDES investment, to assist 450 women entrepreneurs over three years with training, mentorship, and financing opportunities. This program also supports refugee women, with Venezuelan entrepreneur Ana Joselyn inspiring others. The initiative addresses the challenges women face managing work within family settings and encourages networking among female entrepreneurs.

Together, these initiatives reflect Brazil's multifaceted approach to strengthening small business ecosystems, emphasizing digital skills, community access, and social support, especially for women balancing entrepreneurship with family life.