Trends in Brazil micro and small enterprises

Data regarding Brazil’s micro and small enterprise sector highlights trends in foreign entrepreneurship and female employment.

In June 2026, the number of active foreign micro-entrepreneurs (MEIs) reached a record 106,000, marking a 24% increase from July 2025. Venezuela is the primary country of origin, representing approximately 25% of this group. These entrepreneurs are largely concentrated in the Southeast and South regions, with São Paulo hosting the highest number at roughly 39,000. While foreign MEIs constitute 0.78% of Brazil’s 13.5 million total micro-entrepreneurs, the concentration is higher in states like Roraima, where they make up 11% of the segment.

Regarding the broader workforce, micro and small enterprises (MPEs) serve as a major entry point for women in the formal labor market. By the end of 2024, approximately 8.5 million women were employed in these businesses. MPEs maintain a female workforce proportion of 43%, which is higher than the 41% found in the overall formal market. Furthermore, the gender pay gap in MPEs is reported to be smaller than in larger corporations, with women earning approximately 15% less than men in this sector compared to a 23% difference in medium and large businesses. The services and commerce sectors remain the dominant employers for women within this segment.