Small Businesses Drive Brazil's Economic Growth with 452,600 New Openings in September 2026

In September 2026, Brazil witnessed the opening of 452,600 new small businesses, representing a 5.5% increase compared to September 2025, when 428,900 small businesses were registered. This surge highlights the significant role of microentrepreneurs (MEIs), microenterprises (MEs), and small enterprises (EPPs), which collectively accounted for 96.5% of all new CNPJs in September, according to data released by Sebrae.

Between January and September 2026, a total of 4,391,539 small businesses were established, with MEIs making up 77% of these openings, microenterprises 19%, and small enterprises 4%. MEIs displayed a notable 14% growth compared to the same period in 2025, while micro and small enterprises recorded an 11.5% year-on-year increase.

The services sector led this expansion, contributing 288,076 new businesses or 64% of total openings in September, followed by commerce with 93,508 (21%) and industry at 37,451 (8%). Regionally, the Southeast led in new business formations, with São Paulo accounting for 29.7% of openings, Minas Gerais 10.2%, and Rio de Janeiro 8.2%. Other states showed remarkable MEI growth rates: Amapá (42.6%), Maranhão (25.7%), and Ceará (25.2%). Additionally, the Federal District (24.3%), Mato Grosso do Sul (23.6%), and Paraná (21.6%) recorded the most significant increases in micro and small enterprises.

Sebrae President Décio Lima emphasized the strategic importance of these businesses, stating that small enterprises are vital for job creation, social inclusion, and income distribution in Brazil. Although the data reflects new business registrations and does not account for closures or job numbers, it provides essential insight into Brazil’s evolving economic landscape and the dynamism of its small business sector.