Brazil's micro and small enterprises drive job growth in 2026

Micro and small enterprises (MPE) remained the main source of formal job creation in Brazil during the first half of 2026. According to Sebrae’s analysis of Caged data, MPE created 543,500 of the 921,600 new positions opened nationwide, accounting for 58% of total hires. In June alone, they added 84,800 jobs, representing 58% of that month’s total, while medium‑ and large‑size firms generated only 46,300 positions.

In the state of Paraíba, micro and small firms generated 9,734 jobs from January to June, and in June they supplied 92% of all new vacancies, with 2,177 of the state’s 2,365 jobs coming from these businesses. Sebrae president Rodrigo Soares highlighted the sector’s strategic importance, noting that “small businesses are the force that animates our economy” and that their growth supports income distribution and reduces inequality. The national unemployment rate fell to 5.4% in the June quarter, down from 6.1% earlier in the year, reflecting the employment boost from the MPE segment.