São Paulo launches initiatives for afro-entrepreneurs and tech startups

The City of São Paulo has opened applications for the sixth edition of the International Black Consciousness Day Expo, scheduled for November 20 and 21 at Praça das Artes. Managed by the São Paulo Afroempreendedor municipal program, the event aims to promote businesses led by Black individuals, with a specific focus on the leadership of Black women. The program offers 55 spots: 50 for general merchandise and five for the gastronomic sector. Applicants must prove Black ancestry, hold an active CNPJ registered in São Paulo, and be registered with the municipal program. The selection process will evaluate design, creativity, and cultural identity.

Separately, Prodesp and Sebrae-SP have launched Speed GOV, a training program designed to prepare startups to provide technological solutions to the public sector. Open for registration until November 27, the initiative focuses on companies with validated products. The curriculum covers business development for government, public procurement legislation, and technical aspects such as information security. The program aims to train between 50 and 100 startups over five years, focusing on areas like municipal service digitalization, public safety, health, and mobility.