Small Businesses Drive Employment Resilience in Rio Grande do Norte Amid Job Losses

In February 2026, Rio Grande do Norte experienced a net loss of 2,221 formal jobs, marking the worst February employment performance in five years according to the Sebrae-RN Employment Bulletin. The month saw 19,084 hires overshadowed by 21,305 dismissals, largely due to the seasonal end of temporary holiday employment. Despite this downturn, the state sustained a significant active job stock of 550,842 positions.

Micro and small businesses emerged as the crucial pillars supporting job creation during this challenging period. Microenterprises, defined as those with annual revenues up to R$360,000, generated 1,860 new jobs. Notably, the municipality of Natal led with a net gain of 550 jobs, supported by small enterprises predominantly located in the Alecrim neighborhood. Other municipalities contributing positively included Parnamirim (291 jobs), Ipanguaçu (235), Extremoz (91), and Serra Negra do Norte (77). Conversely, Baía Formosa faced the largest job losses with 897 dismissals.

Alinne Dantas, manager of Strategic Management at Sebrae-RN, highlighted the resilience of small businesses as the state’s main engine for ongoing job creation despite economic contractions. This extensive presence of small enterprises across nearly all municipalities and sectors reinforces their role in promoting economic development and income generation in the region.

Sebrae-RN anticipates a gradual employment recovery aligned with the revitalization of strategic economic sectors. Small businesses are expected to continue playing a central role in sustaining Rio Grande do Norte’s formal labor market.