Brazilian municipalities support small businesses for year-end sales

Local governments in Brazil are launching initiatives to assist small entrepreneurs in preparing for the year-end holiday shopping season.

In Betim, the municipal government, in partnership with Sebrae, is offering three free workshops at the Centro do Empreendedor. Scheduled for October 26–28, the sessions cover social media marketing, the use of artificial intelligence for marketing and customer management, and year-end pricing strategies to help businesses manage costs and demand.

In Sorocaba, the Secretariat of Entrepreneurship, Microenterprise, and Small Business (SEMEPP) is promoting microcredit lines through the Banco do Povo Paulista. Small merchants can apply for loans of up to R$ 21,000 with monthly interest rates starting at 0.35%. These funds are intended for inventory replenishment, purchasing raw materials, equipment, and marketing services. Officials advise entrepreneurs to apply early due to a 20-day processing period for credit analysis and contracts.