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Brazilian women are beginning to discover a new field of opportunities. They currently head 46% of Brazil's small businesses. In 2000, this figure was only 29%, according to a Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) study of entrepreneurship in 31 countries.
To motivate female entrepreneurial capacity, the Sebrae (Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service), the Special Secretariat of Policies for Women, and the Federation of Associations of Business and Professional Women of Brazil (BPW Brasil) launched the Enterprising Woman Award.
The idea is to give greater visibility to success stories of female entrepreneurs, to encourage other women to open their own businesses.
"Women's entrepreneurial velocity is already greater than men's," affirmed the president of the Sebrae, Silvano Gianni, in whose view women, in general, have a profile suited to entrepreneurial pursuits.
"They are prudent and responsible," he cited, as examples. Gianni also informed that the Sebrae plans to create specific courses and programs for the female public.
For the Subsecretary of the Special Secretariat of Policies for Women, Ângela Fontes, women have a natural capacity to be achievers.
"They need to acquire financial means to provide for not only their own survival but their families', too, yet they still have to deal with their own fears, as well as discrimination on the part of society regarding their capacity to lead business initiatives. Some women do not consider themselves capable," she affirmed.
The Enterprising Woman Award is meant for small firms, cooperatives, and associations headed by women. Candidates can sign up until December 20.
The top five will win international excursions, to become acquainted with experiences and enterprises in other countries.
Agência Brasil
Translator: David Silberstein
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