Brazilian entrepreneurship is feasting. Between November 14 and 20, the 15th edition of Global Entrepreneurship Week – GEW will be celebrated. Since 2018, GEW Brasil is hosted by Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service – Sebrae. We’ve been breaking successive records, making the country the world leader of this action ahead of 180 other participants. GEW Brasil has mobilized around 3.5 million people during last four years and has won seven international awards.
This is the second year of GEW Brasil under a Congress Law that turned the Week part of the national calendar, with the objective of developing lectures, discussions, seminars and other events and activities to contribute to strengthening and dissemination of entrepreneurship culture in the country.
In 2022, the Global Entrepreneurship Week highlights inclusive entrepreneurship as a strategy for groups most directly impacted by the economic crisis and the pandemia, in particular women, black, and young people. The choice was based on results pointed out by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) survey, a worldwide reference on entrepreneurship. According to GEM 2021, economic impact of the last two years has widened the inequalities between men and women and white and black entrepreneurs.
A larger proportion of female entrepreneurs has been pushed out of their activity. Those who kept their companies in operation have faced more severe economic losses. The same is true when black and white entrepreneurs are compared. On the eve of the date that marks the fight against racism and for the reduction of inequalities that affect this population, a study by Sebrae shows that the percentage of black entrepreneurs among economically active adults has dropped and that they are being motivated to open a business - predominantly - by necessity. In addition, the survey reveals that the differences in pay and education between white and black groups have widened during period 2018/2021.
During this week, which will be marked by thousands of activities in all corners of the country, Sebrae and its partners (Aliança Empreendedora, Anjos do Brasil, Anprotec, Artemisia, Brasil Júnior, Conaje, Endeavor, Junior Achievement, a Rede Mulher Empreendedora, and hundreds of other institutions engaged in the movement) want to celebrate the achievements made by small Brazilian companies and call attention for the challenges we alll have to face in the coming years. We also want to raise society’s awareness about the fundamental role of entrepreneurship as a tool for social inclusion and equal opportunities. We must always remember that small businesses have been responsible, in recent years, for seven out of every 10 new jobs generated in the country, and that 86 million Brazilians (40% of the population) live directly or indirectly connected with these companies.
We still need to advance in the implementation of public policies that improve the business environment, reduce bureaucracy, and increase the competitiveness of small businesses with more innovation and technology. Over the last decades, micro and small businesses have proved repeatedly they are able - with the proper support - to provide the answers the country needs to reach a new level of development, with more jobs and income for all.