Rio and Niterói launch new free training, credit and debt‑relief programs

The Rio municipal government and Senac Rio opened registrations for a free fashion‑design track aimed at LGBTQIAPN+ people in vulnerable situations, offering 24 seats that begin on 24 July and run until January 2027. In Niterói, the Prefeitura partnered with Firjan SENAI SESI and Senac RJ to start a fourth edition of the Niterói Jovem EcoSocial programme, providing 1 000 free qualification slots for young residents of 23 neighbourhoods. The Rio Youth Secretariat (JUVRio) announced 3 500 free places in 13 technology and creative‑skill courses for residents aged 15‑29 across the city’s Youth Spaces, an effort that has already trained more than 56 000 young people since 2022. The same Youth Spaces also listed the 3 500 vacancies, confirming the parallel rollout. Niterói’s “Empreendedora” initiative distributed symbolic cheques to 50 entrepreneurs, granting zero‑interest loans from a R$200 million fund to boost small‑business growth. A separate municipal effort, “Quita Niterói”, organised a three‑day consumer‑credit renegotiation fair (22‑24 July) where utilities and banks offered direct debt‑settlement assistance. Finally, the city launched the digital platform “Niterói Campeã” to mentor non‑profit sports entities in accessing the national sports‑incentive law. Together these measures aim to expand vocational training, support entrepreneurship and ease household debt for thousands of Rio‑state residents.