Brazil is an increasingly entrepreneurial country. According to the "Entrepreneurship in Brazil 2023" survey by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), the desire to undertake 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 research highlights that Brazil reached 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, highlights the fundamental pillars for those who want to start a business from scratch: “Entrepreneurship is building a dream with your feet on the ground. With data, tools and the right support, it is possible to transform ideas into profitable and lasting businesses.”
The entrepreneur highlights the first steps to entrepreneurship:
Validation of the idea:
Before investing, it is essential to validate a business proposal through a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). Are you going to start a business with a product? Test it first with family and friends, listen to their opinion. Are you going to offer a service? Start serving on weekends at a lower price. It is also a way to get feedback on the service and your assistance. "This allows testing the market at low cost, minimizing risks and maximizing initial learning," explains Freitas.
Financial planning:One of the biggest challenges faced by new entrepreneurs is financial management. "Without cash flow control, it is impossible to make strategic decisions, such as investing in innovation or expanding. Financial planning is essential to keep the business healthy," he adds.
Formalization of the business:
Formalization is a necessary step for any enterprise seeking stability and growth. In addition to ensuring compliance with tax obligations, it allows access to benefits such as credit lines, incentive programs, and strategic partnerships. Freitas emphasizes: "Formalized companies increase their competitiveness and reduce risks associated with informality, such as fines and legal impediments. Choosing the right tax regime and fulfilling tax obligations can save thousands of reais per year and prevent legal issues, and having specialized accounting from the beginning makes all the difference."
Adoption of innovation:Innovation is a requirement to survive in the current market. Everything changes all the time, so entrepreneurs need to keep an eye on the latest developments in their industry to offer new products or services to their clients. "Whether in adopting new technologies or optimizing processes. Innovating is adapting and anticipating market changes," says Freitas.
For Marlon Freitas, the biggest mistake for those starting out is not having a plan. Entrepreneurship requires preparation; it is also a process of self-knowledge. Planning is essential from the very beginning of the business because it helps to define strategies to face daily problems.
The Brazilian entrepreneurial spirit is a reflection of their creativity and resilience, qualities that emerge especially in adverse scenarios. Even when entrepreneurship is born out of necessity, it transforms into 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 are significant for building a more dynamic and inclusive future.
