Sebrae and Partners Launch Major Initiatives to Boost Innovation and Female Entrepreneurship in Brazilian Small Businesses

On July 6, 2026, Sebrae Goiás unveiled the IPÊ Investe – 1st Edition program, designed to strengthen startups and innovative businesses through a comprehensive development journey and financial support. This initiative, in partnership with Sebrae Mato Grosso do Sul and Sebrae Nacional and managed by venture capital firm Bossa Nova Investimentos, aims to provide up to R$ 550,000 in staged investments across three phases to selected startups. Initially, up to 15 startups will receive R$ 100,000 each and one month of intensive development. Successive phases offer higher financial support and longer execution periods, culminating in mentorship and strategic connections to propel growth.

Concurrently, Sebrae/PB inaugurated the Hub Sebrae de Empreendedorismo, Inovação e Sustentabilidade in João Pessoa. Officially opened on October 6, this hub focuses on fostering sustainable and strategic growth for small businesses by integrating entrepreneurs with public and private entities and educational institutions. It is accessible to all business owners seeking innovation or development of new ideas. The Hub reflects Sebrae’s commitment to enhancing productivity in Paraíba’s small business sector and will be complemented by a future agency in Picuí.

Highlighting a broader national trend, 2025 saw a record 4.6 million new microentrepreneurs in Brazil, with small businesses representing 97% of the domestic business sector. Over 10.4 million women entrepreneurs, accounting for 34% to 42% of business owners, are significantly contributing to this growth. Sicredi Vanguarda reported its credit portfolio for women-led businesses surpassed R$ 17.5 billion in 2025, a 12% increase from the previous year, supported by financial education and leadership initiatives. The story of Ana Lúcia Carvalho Santos and Gilson Cardoso dos Santos exemplifies this success, having expanded their business from a microenterprise to a thriving accommodation provider using accessible credit and support.

These combined efforts by Sebrae and financial cooperatives bolster the innovation ecosystem, enhance sustainability, and empower especially female entrepreneurs, reinforcing small businesses' pivotal role in Brazil’s economic landscape.