Sebrae Empowers Women Entrepreneurs Across Brazil with Awards and Networking Events in 2026

Sebrae has actively organized impactful events across Brazil in 2026, highlighting the strength and growth of women entrepreneurs in various regions. Notably, in the Tocantina region of Maranhão, Sebrae Maranhão held two events on September 30 and October 1 to honor women participating in the 2026 Prêmio Sebrae Mulher de Negócios (Sebrae Women Business Award). This award celebrates the achievements of women leading small businesses by evaluating business trajectory, management, innovation, and impact. The 2026 edition saw 650 applications from Maranhão alone, a 48% increase from the previous year, making the state the leader in the Northeast and third nationally in submissions. Simone dos Santos Coelho won second place in the Small Business category during the award ceremony in São Luís on August 16, where art and theater were blended to celebrate entrepreneurship. Coelho expressed that the recognition motivates her to keep investing and encourages other women to pursue entrepreneurship. Participants also remarked that the award process encouraged reflection and motivation to pursue continuous improvement in their ventures.

Meanwhile, in São Paulo, Sebrae-SP organized a business roundtable event titled "Entre elas: Conexões e negócios" in Baixada Santista, bringing together 40 women entrepreneurs from diverse sectors. The event facilitated networking and potential partnerships, with participants delivering concise two-minute pitches focusing on professional presentation and value proposition. Michele Divino, a business consultant at Sebrae-SP, emphasized that entrepreneurs should present themselves as business owners to strengthen their identity and business presence. The event offered opportunities for participants to exchange business cards and product samples, fostering memorable interactions that could lead to future collaborations. The roundtable was linked to the Sebrae Women Business Award, reinforcing the importance of engagement and growth for women-led businesses. Several attendees appreciated the event for expanding their networks and opening avenues for joint ventures, while also becoming familiar with Sebrae's supportive resources for business development.

Together, these initiatives demonstrate Sebrae's commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs across Brazil through recognition programs and networking platforms that promote business growth, collaboration, and sustained encouragement for women leading small enterprises.