Brazil's Blue Economy initiatives support SMEs in Itajaí and Ilhabela

On July 30, 2026, the city of Itajaí hosted a talk titled “Economia Azul e Defesa: Oportunidades de Negócios para Itajaí.” The event, organized by the municipal government, the local business association (ACII) and SEBRAE, featured General Robson Santana, Desmodus CEO Cleber Battisti Archer and Black Marine CEO Pedro Springmann. Speakers outlined how micro‑ and small‑enterprises can enter the naval and defense supply chain, highlighting demand for engineering, technology, metalworking, logistics, automation and specialized services.

A separate gathering took place on July 28 in Ilhabela, where the 6th Forum Corredor Azul – Turismo Sustentável offered free, individual mentorship sessions for entrepreneurs, students and researchers interested in marine‑related projects. Organized by the Ilhabela municipality and SEBRAE‑SP, the forum ran from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the 53rd International Sailing Week, providing 40‑minute consultations on business development, project validation and innovation for coastal ventures.