Access to credit remains one of the biggest challenges for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Brazil, especially in the face of high demand for working capital and investments in an increasingly competitive market.
Proof of this is that in 2024, the demand for business credit grew significantly, especially for SMEs, which saw a 13.1% increase in applications compared to the previous year, according to the Serasa Experian Credit Demand Indicator.
Additionally, the opening of 1.46 million companies in the second quarter of 2024, according to the Federal Government’s Business Map Bulletin, and the closure of 830,000 companies in the same period, 11.7% higher than in 2023, also reflects the dynamism of the market, high competitiveness, and the difficulty of maintaining sustainable operations without easy access to financial resources.
Among the main barriers they face are high interest rates, such as the national average of 42.49% for microbusinesses in 2024, and the requirement of collateral that hinder access to financing from traditional banks. From there, a series of additional problems arise, such as high delinquency rates, bureaucratic difficulties, and limitations in traditional credit analysis.
It was precisely this scenario that motivated the emergence of innovative solutions in the financial market: companies that use technology to offer more accessible and effective models, making credit more inclusive for small and medium-sized businesses.
An example is M3 Lending, from Minas, which offers credit with interest rates 22% lower than those practiced by conventional banks, in addition to providing a digital and streamlined experience. “Our mission is to facilitate access to credit for already established companies, allowing them to invest in new projects or take advantage of advantageous opportunities in the market,” explains Gabriel César, CEO of the fintech.
The platform operates efficiently: interested companies enter their data and documents online, and M3 conducts a detailed credit analysis. If approved, the offer is presented to investors, who have up to seven days to decide on the investment. Available amounts range from R$ 50,000 to R$ 500,000, with interest rates starting at 1.4% per month and payment terms of up to 24 months.
César emphasizes that many entrepreneurs give up their businesses due to unfavorable conditions offered by traditional institutions. “High interest rates and requirements such as asset guarantees compromise the viability of small businesses and put the personal assets of the entrepreneurs at risk,” he warns.
In addition to competitive rates, the fintech seeks to balance the relationship between risk and return, offering an average monthly return of 2.8% to investors. “This model creates a positive cycle: investors have above-average returns, while companies can access more affordable credit to grow and strengthen their operations,” explains the CEO.
This is a stimulus to economic growth. With easier access to credit, SMEs can invest in projects that expand their businesses and generate direct economic impact. “Our goal is precisely to foster the development of these companies, which are essential for the growth of the Brazilian economy,” says César. “After all, they are responsible for more than 52% of formal jobs in the private sector,” he concludes.
