# Trends in Brazil micro and small enterprises > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/trends-in-brazil-micro-and-small-enterprises > Updated: 2026-08-24T04:32:19.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2. 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. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-24: Micro and small enterprises drive female employment in Brazil Micro and small enterprises in Brazil are key drivers of female employment, hosting 8.5 million women and showing a lower gender pay gap than larger corporations. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/micro-and-small-enterprises-drive-female-employment-in-brazil ### 2026-07-29: Brazil hits record 106,000 foreign micro‑entrepreneurs (MEIs) Brazil reached a record 106,000 foreign MEIs in June, up 24 % YoY, led by Venezuelan entrepreneurs; São Paulo has the most, while Roraima shows the highest foreign‑MEI share. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/camila-arajo-launches-desperta-workshop-for-women-in-fortaleza --- Cite as: Trends in Brazil micro and small enterprises. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/trends-in-brazil-micro-and-small-enterprises