Being an entrepreneur in Brazil is never easy, but no one ever said it would be this hard. Each passing day brings new challenges, and we have to deal with various issues that often escape our control. The biggest example of this is the current economic crisis the country is facing, which leads to rising inflation and high interest rates, severely affecting different sectors and business models.
However, despite the adversities that may arise along the way, people don’t give up trying. According to data from a survey conducted by Sebrae (Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service) based on RFB (Brazilian Federal Revenue Service) data, Brazil recorded 874,000 new micro-businesses in 2024, representing a 21% growth compared to 2023.
The truth is that this scenario shows an attempt to revive the Brazilian economy by focusing on outsourcing activities and the range of services offered today, whether by new companies or entrepreneurs who work mostly alone, as in my case. Even in the face of inevitable risks, entrepreneurship remains an income-generating alternative, though it can also cause fear and apprehension.
When reflecting on my career before deciding to become an entrepreneur, I weighed certainties I would lose and the uncertainties I would face—ones I wouldn’t initially know how to handle in my professional journey as an OKR (Objectives and Key Results) management specialist. That’s why I listed my two biggest entrepreneurial nightmares:
1st nightmare: Not having a paycheck deposited in my account
I worked for years at a company, and like any employee providing services, I was certain my salary would arrive every month. However, when I decided to start my own business, I lost control over this aspect. After all, there might be months with no clients or uneven revenue—sometimes more, sometimes less—meaning money doesn’t come in consistently. At first, I didn’t know how I’d react. Some people might get anxious, but you need to trust the process and work hard to make things happen. It wasn’t easy for me, but just acknowledging it helped me cope with the issue.
2nd nightmare: Not being chosen
Naturally, we know we won’t always win bids. I know it happens, but it bothers me. Really? I’m different, I’m better—we have to believe that about ourselves, right? So, when a prospect doesn’t choose me—which is rare—I always reflect on the criteria used and try to see the situation from their perspective, perhaps to adjust my approach next time, evolving and improving along the way.
These are challenges I had to deal with from the beginning, with varying degrees of awareness. Other issues might arise depending on the person or context. However, the most important thing is actively reflecting on what might hinder your progress later—or even trigger mood swings that affect your family. The last thing an entrepreneur needs is to fight inherent business struggles outside while battling new ones at home in pursuit of their dream.
