In recent years, Brazil has seen impressive growth in the number of young entrepreneurs. Thisgivenit was found by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor – GEM, the main research on entrepreneurship in the world
In the last edition, of 2023, the study presented the evolution of entrepreneurship in Brazil and showed that men and young people dominate the opening of new businesses (56% men versus 44% women). The rise of younger entrepreneurs reflects a growing trend and signals a profound change in the labor market and economic dynamics of the country
According to 2024 data from Sebrae and the National Association of Studies in Entrepreneurship and Management of Small Businesses (Anegepe), Brazil currently has about 42 million entrepreneurs, a number that could more than double in the next three years. This expansion is fueled by a growing number of young people who are increasingly involved in the business world
Qualification
According to the GEM research, one of the factors that improved the sector's indicators in the country is qualification, changing the old scenario of necessity-driven entrepreneurship to openings of own businesses through qualification
In practice, this means that young entrepreneurs can analyze the business before starting it, and to see the possibilities and challenges of the market. In addition to the training that several entrepreneurs already have, they still combine with courses and other educational and free options offered by Sebrae and other entities, for example
The case of Kadu Pires, a 39-year-old physical educator who transformed a fabric distributor into a successful digital startup, illustrates this growth well. With the creation of the More Creative Club, Pires managed to save his own business from bankruptcy and, at the same time, reinvent work. With this transformation, the new brand was born, what is a collaborative platform for hundreds of small entrepreneurs in the textile sector
To achieve such a feat, Kadu joined forces with the advertiser Luiz Fernandes, 37 years old, who became a partner of the company. Together, they achieved a feat that places them among the young entrepreneurs mentioned in the survey: in just six months, a startup reached a revenue of R$ 10 million and continues to expand its influence in the market
Purpose and resilience
The success of Kadu and Luiz reflects a new trend: young entrepreneurs are standing out for their capacity for innovation and, mainly, adaptability. The GEM research revealed that 77% of Brazilian entrepreneurs are motivated by the desire to make a difference in the world, many of these young people see entrepreneurship as a way to positively impact their communities and local economies
Partner in a fabric distribution company since 2011 alongside my mother, Kadu saw the business plunge into an unprecedented crisis. The technological solution emerged as an idea to save the family business and hundreds of other small businesses in the craft sector from bankruptcy
“The pandemic initially boosted the demand for craft items, but it ended up overwhelming many small entrepreneurs with inventory they couldn't sell”, explain Pires. According to the businessman, the profitable new business proves that adaptation and innovation are the keys to success in the current market
The success of young companies like Kadu and Luiz's shows the importance of support platforms for entrepreneurship, that offer creative and affordable solutions for small businesses. Beyond the Most Creative Club, there are a number of startups and initiatives that have contributed to the expansion of entrepreneurship among young Brazilians, providing the tools and resources necessary to turn ideas into reality
The growth in the number of young entrepreneurs also shows creativity, a characteristic of the Brazilian, what now, more than ever, is seen in the business world. Stories like that of Kadu Pires serve as inspiration for even younger youths who dream of having their own business, at the same time it shows how entrepreneurship is a great asset for sustainable economic growth
