Senior entrepreneurship rises in Brazil as income and education levels grow

Data from Sebrae indicates a significant rise in senior entrepreneurship in Brazil. In the state of Goiás, the number of companies led by partners over the age of 50 grew by 143% over the last decade, rising from 107,000 in 2016 to 260,500 in 2026.

Nationally, Sebrae reports that formalizing a business in later life can significantly increase income. In the fourth quarter of 2025, entrepreneurs aged 60 and older achieved their highest average income in the historical series, earning an average of R$ 7,458—more than triple the R$ 2,152 earned by informal entrepreneurs.

The study also highlights improvements in education among senior business owners. Between 2012 and 2025, the proportion of entrepreneurs with no instruction or incomplete primary education fell from 68% to 46%, while those with a high school diploma or higher rose from 24% to 42%.

As of the fourth quarter of 2025, Brazil had 4.5 million senior entrepreneurs, a 59% increase since 2012. Despite this growth, those over 60 represent 15% of all business owners, compared to the 20% of the Brazilian population that is of working age and senior.