Sebrae and Negócio Raiz Boost Micro and Small Businesses with Strategic Support and Sustainable Entrepreneurship Initiatives

Brazil is seeing renewed efforts to empower its micro and small business sector through strategic consulting accreditations and culturally-rooted entrepreneurial projects.

Sebrae has launched the first cycle of the 2026 Edital de Soluções de Mercado, an initiative accrediting consulting and training companies that strengthen micro and small businesses. Registration runs from March 2 to 9, focusing on areas like ESG, governance, AI innovation, strategic marketing, and entrepreneurship education. Since 2022, Sebrae’s edital adapts to the evolving needs of small enterprises by introducing thematic cycles. Renata Câmara, Sebrae Paraíba’s Entrepreneurial Education analyst, explained this dynamic format aims to refresh Sebrae’s portfolio with solutions aligned to emerging market trends. The program invites companies developing training and consulting methodologies relevant to current small business challenges.

Parallel to this, the Negócio Raiz initiative advances sustainable and culturally rooted entrepreneurship among Brazilian youth. Targeting aspiring entrepreneurs aged 18 to 35, especially in the North and Northeast regions, the project transforms traditional knowledge into viable business models emphasizing local identity and biodiversity. Conducted by Aliança Empreendedora with support from Youth Business International and funding from Standard Chartered Foundation, Negócio Raiz combines online and in-person training, mentorship, and seed capital.

In 2025 alone, the program benefited 1,078 microentrepreneurs, offering eight participants seed investment of R$3,000 each to scale their ventures. Notable entrepreneurs include Flávia Amorim, who creates handmade accessories from local seeds and recycled materials in Belém, and Wendele do Nascimento Azevedo, whose Karua platform in Caruaru connects artisans to wider markets. Others like Cristiane Alves Neves and Raphael Nobre focus on eco-friendly products derived from regional resources such as repurposed oils, cupuaçu, and Brazil nuts, reinforcing environmental preservation and cultural heritage.

Together, these initiatives reflect Brazil’s commitment to expanding micro and small business opportunities through innovative consulting solutions and culturally informed entrepreneurship programs, enhancing both economic inclusion and sustainable market growth.