The 2025 Carnival is expected to generate an economic impact of over R$ 12 billion in Brazil, a growth of 2.1% compared to the previous year, according to estimates from the National Confederation of Trade in Goods, Services, and Tourism (CNC). The period is consolidated as one of the main drivers of the creative economy and the service sector in the country.
Bars and restaurants lead the revenues of the period, with an estimated collection of R$ 5.4 billion, followed by transportation services, which are expected to generate R$ 3.3 billion, and accommodation, with R$ 1.3 billion in revenue. In addition, the event should create more than 32.6 thousand temporary jobs, with a focus on the food sector, which will concentrate more than 22.8 thousand vacancies.
With the heating up of the economy during the revelry, small entrepreneurs find opportunities to grow, especially in the fashion, food, and tourism segments. However, according to experts, the key to maintaining revenue throughout the year lies in formalizing businesses.
Professionalism and credibility in seasonal entrepreneurship
Even in businesses focused on a specific period, such as Carnival, professionalism is essential to generate credibility and differentiation in the market. According to Rafael Caribé, CEO of Agilize, the way an entrepreneur manages their service, even if temporary, can define success and the possibility of expansion for other opportunities.
“Even in a seasonal business, acting professionally makes all the difference. Those who treat customers seriously, offer a quality product or service, and have an organized operation increase the chances of retaining consumers and generating new opportunities, either for other events or even for a fixed business in the future,” Caribé explains.
Formalization and sustainable growth
The CEO emphasizes that regularizing activities can be a differentiating factor for entrepreneurs who want to take advantage of Carnival as a starting point for continuous growth.
“Carnival opens doors for those who want to venture, but it is essential to think about the future of the business. Formalizing guarantees access to credit, issuing invoices, and the possibility of expanding activities beyond the festive period,” says Caribé.
Furthermore, this formalization brings the possibility of conducting larger business transactions.
“It is the chance to establish contracts that protect your assets as an individual, separate what belongs to you and what belongs to the business, and still have the right to social security benefits,” recalls the CEO.
Creative economy, which includes sectors such as fashion, audiovisual, music, crafts, and performing arts, has a significant role in this scenario. According to a survey by the National Confederation of Shopkeepers (CNDL) and the Credit Protection Service (SPC Brazil), each reveler is expected to spend an average of R$ 805 on costumes, accessories, transportation, and food, boosting demand for local products and services.
With a record number of foreign tourists in Brazil and a positive outlook for the coming years, Carnival remains one of the country’s most profitable events, reinforcing the need for small business owners to seek ways to structure and expand their businesses beyond the festive season: “Entrepreneurship goes beyond seizing a good opportunity. Those who formalize can turn a seasonal business into a steady source of income, exploring new markets and maintaining growth throughout the year,” Caribé concludes.
