Small business performance boosts GDP growth, highlights Sebrae

The country's Gross Domestic Product grew 0.4% in the second quarter, according to data released by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). Compared to the second quarter of 2024, GDP grew 2.2%. Sebrae president Décio Lima celebrated the growth and highlighted the role of small businesses.

"In July, small businesses were responsible for eight out of every ten jobs created in the country. They are an essential support in strengthening the national economy," said the president of Sebrae. "We represent 27% of GDP and more than half of the country's formal workforce. The increase in GDP is one of the results of the integrated work coordinated by the federal government, and small businesses are a fundamental part of this success," he analyzes.

In total, GDP totaled R$3.2 trillion in the quarter, reaching the highest level in the historical series that began in 1996 . In Services, where small and medium-sized companies are protagonists, there was growth in financial activities, insurance and related services (2.1%), information and communication (1.2%), transport, storage and mail (1.0%), other service activities (0.7%) and real estate activities (0.3%).

From a production perspective, there was an increase in Services (0.6%) and Industry (0.5%). The Services sector was the main generator of new jobs among SMEs in July.

In 2025, the number of new small businesses opened remains strong, with over 3 million new ventures through July, 77% of which are MEIs. This reflects the dynamism and adaptability of these entrepreneurs. Sebrae's active involvement in training, innovation, and access to credit policies has stimulated opportunity-driven entrepreneurship.

Décio Lima, president of Sebrae

The stability of the Selic rate and the expectation of a gradual reduction in interest rates, starting in 2026, increase the confidence of entrepreneurs and consumers, which boosts consumption and investment in small businesses. According to the president of Sebrae, encouraging the training of entrepreneurs becomes even more relevant .

"We will further promote technological innovation, access to digital markets, and the formation of collaborative networks between micro and small entrepreneurs. Only in this way will we achieve opportunities for sustainable growth and the promotion of social and economic development, with an inclusive vision that values ​​the fundamental role of small businesses in Brazil's inclusive economy," he states.