Brazil is becoming an increasingly entrepreneurial country every day. According to the “Entrepreneurship in Brazil 2023” survey by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), the desire to start a business drives around 48 million people in the country, making it the third most common goal among Brazilian adults, just behind traveling across Brazil and buying a home.
The survey highlights that Brazil achieved a potential entrepreneurship rate of 48.7% in 2024, demonstrating the strength and importance of the sector in the country. However, success requires strategic planning, efficient financial management, and the adoption of innovation.
Marlon Freitas, co-founder of Agilize Contabilidade, emphasizes the fundamental pillars for those who want to start a business from scratch: “Entrepreneurship is about building a dream with your feet on the ground. With data, tools, and proper support, it’s possible to turn ideas into profitable and lasting businesses.”
The entrepreneur outlines the first steps to starting a business:
Idea validation:
Before investing, it’s essential to validate a business proposal through a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). Are you starting with a product? Test it first with family and friends, and listen to their feedback. Are you offering a service? Begin by providing it on weekends at a lower price. This is also a way to get feedback on your service and customer experience. “This allows you to test the market at a low cost, minimizing risks and maximizing initial learning,” explains Freitas.
Financial planning:One of the biggest challenges new entrepreneurs face is financial management. “Without cash flow control, it’s impossible to make strategic decisions, such as investing in innovation or expanding. Financial planning is essential to keep the business healthy,” he adds.
Business formalization:
Formalization is a necessary step for any business seeking stability and growth. Besides ensuring compliance with tax obligations, it provides access to benefits such as credit lines, incentive programs, and strategic partnerships. Freitas emphasizes: “Formalized businesses increase their competitiveness and reduce risks associated with informality, such as fines and legal restrictions. Choosing the right tax regime and fulfilling tax obligations can save thousands of reais per year and avoid legal issues—having specialized accounting from the start makes all the difference.”
Adoption of innovation:Innovation is a requirement to survive in today’s market. Everything changes constantly, so entrepreneurs must always stay updated on industry trends to offer new products or services to customers. “Whether it’s adopting new technologies or optimizing processes, innovation means adapting and anticipating market changes,” says Freitas.
For Marlon Freitas, the biggest mistake beginners make is not having a plan. “Entrepreneurship requires preparation—it’s also a process of self-discovery. Planning is essential from the start because it helps define strategies to tackle everyday challenges.”
The entrepreneurial spirit of Brazilians reflects their creativity and resilience, traits that emerge especially in adverse scenarios. Even when entrepreneurship arises out of necessity, it becomes a platform for innovation and development. From small local businesses to tech startups, Brazilians demonstrate a unique ability to create solutions that meet market demands and contribute to building a more dynamic and inclusive future.
