Entrepreneurship from scratch: essential tips to turn ideas into successful businesses

Brazil is a country every day more entrepreneurial. According to the survey “Entrepreneurship in Brazil 2023”, by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), the desire to undertake moves about 48 million people in the country, becoming the third largest goal among Brazilian adults, just behind traveling in Brazil and buying their own home. 

The research highlights that Brazil achieved a potential entrepreneurship rate of 48.7% in 2024, highlighting the strength and importance of the sector in the country. However, success requires strategic planning, efficient financial management and adoption of innovation.

Marlon Freitas, co-founder of Agilize Accounting, highlights the fundamental pillars for those who want to start a business from scratch: “Understanding is building a dream with your feet on the ground.With data, tools and adequate support, it is possible to turn ideas into profitable and lasting businesses.”

The entrepreneur highlights what are the first steps to undertake:

Validation of the idea:
Before investing, it is essential to validate a business proposal through a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). Will you undertake with a product? Test before with family and friends, listen to their opinion. Will you offer a service? Start attending weekends at a lower price. It is a way to also get a return on the service and its service. “This allows you to test 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 control of cash flow, 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 business:

Formalization is a necessary step for any venture that seeks 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 reinforces: “Formalized companies increase their competitiveness and risks associated with informality, such as fines and legal impediments. Choosing the right tax regime and complying with tax obligations can save thousands of dollars a year and avoid legal problems and for this to have a specialized accounting from the beginning makes all the difference.”

Innovation adoption:Innovating is a requirement to survive in the current market. Everything changes all the time, so those who undertake must always keep an eye on the news of the sector in which it operates to offer news to customers, products or services.“Be it in the adoption of new technologies or in the optimization of processes. Innovating is to adapt and anticipate the changes of the market”, says Freitas.

For Marlon Freitas, the biggest mistake of those who are starting is not having a plan. “Endering requires preparation, it is also a process of self-knowledge. Planning is essential from the beginning of the business because it is he who will help define the strategies to face the problems of everyday”. 

The entrepreneurial spirit of the Brazilian is a reflection of his creativity and resilience, characteristics that emerge especially in adverse scenarios. Even when entrepreneurship is born out of necessity, it becomes a platform for innovation and development. From small local businesses to technological startups, Brazilians demonstrate a unique ability to create solutions that meet market demands and significant for building a more dynamic and inclusive future.