Itajaí Institute and Bento Gonçalves Business Council Honored for Local Development Initiatives

The Instituto Mais Itajaí, a civil‑society organization formed by 61 local companies and 16 supporters, was recognized during Itajaí’s 166th‑anniversary session for investing more than R$ 6 million in technical studies and projects that will be donated to the municipality for future public works. The institute’s efforts target major infrastructure and urban‑planning works such as a new BR‑101 access to Praia Brava, connections between the Jorge Lacerda and Antônio Heil highways, the Contorno Oeste road, a housing‑program masterplan and a future cruise‑terminal concept. President Fabio Inthurn emphasized the value of private‑sector resources, speed and expertise in complementing public planning.

In Bento Gonçalves, the Centro da Indústria, Comércio e Serviços (CIC‑BG) received a Business Hall of Fame award from Junior Achievement Rio Grande do Sul for its role in fostering youth entrepreneurship. The council’s support of the Miniempresa program helped high‑school students launch and run small companies, with nine of those ventures showcased at the ExpoBento trade fair, giving young entrepreneurs practical market experience.

Both recognitions highlight how regional business groups in Brazil are partnering with public and educational institutions to accelerate infrastructure development and nurture the next generation of entrepreneurs.