Over 32,000 Businesses in Maranhão Led by Entrepreneurs Aged 60+ Highlighted at Feira do Empreendedor 2026
Maranhão's Feira do Empreendedor 2026 spotlighted more than 32,000 businesses led by entrepreneurs aged 60+, underscoring senior entrepreneurship's growth and economic impact.
- • Maranhão has 32,105 active businesses run by entrepreneurs aged 60 and over.
- • Brazil's senior entrepreneurs number 4.5 million, growing 58.6% in the past decade.
- • The Feira do Empreendedor 2026 included the Futuridade 60+ event focusing on senior entrepreneurship challenges and opportunities.
- • Senior entrepreneurship represents a significant economic segment, with strong institutional support in Maranhão.
Key details
Maranhão hosts 32,105 active formal businesses led by entrepreneurs aged 60 and over, reflecting a growing trend of senior entrepreneurship in the region. This demographic growth was a focal point during the Feira do Empreendedor 2026, held from August 14 to 16 at the Multicenter Negócios e Eventos in São Luís. The event was co-organized by Sebrae, the State Government of Maranhão, and Sistema Fiema, with support from the City Hall of São Luís and several local companies.
The Futuridade 60+ session within the fair concentrated on the challenges and prospects for senior entrepreneurs, emphasizing the economic influence of this group. According to Sebrae data, Brazil counts 4.5 million entrepreneurs aged 60 or older, a 58.6% increase over the last decade, comprising 14.3% of the country's business owners. In Maranhão, senior-led businesses are predominantly microenterprises (60.7%), followed by individual microentrepreneurs (25.7%) and small businesses (13.6%).
Celso Gonçalo, president of Sebrae Maranhão’s Deliberative Council, stressed the strategic importance of recognizing this market segment's contributions to economic growth and competitive advantage. Gilvany Isaac, national manager of the Senior Entrepreneurship Program, highlighted the expanding role of seniors in the entrepreneurial landscape. Senior entrepreneurs like Maria Aparecida Bessa and Vilma Cavalcante shared personal success stories, underscoring that advanced age can bring valuable experience and fresh business opportunities.
The event showcased partnerships with institutions including Universidade Federal do Maranhão (UFMA) and Fecomércio-MA, fostering an ecosystem that supports entrepreneurial development and promotes the silver economy fueled by increased life expectancy and changing work dynamics.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
