[bmto id=”1″]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=998O3t190VA[/bmto]
The first cycle of the Negócio Raiz project laid the foundation of empowering young micro-entrepreneurs in under-resourced areas of Brazil’s North and Northeast. Through a tailored approach that combined accessible online training via WhatsApp and in-person sessions in strategic territories, the project reached 801 participants—630 through digital cohorts and 171 in face-to-face groups.
The curriculum emphasized practical business skills, socio-bioeconomy awareness, financial literacy, and entrepreneurial identity, using methodologies rooted in adult education and effectuation theory.
A total of 102 entrepreneurs were selected to advance into an intensive acceleration phase, where they received personalized mentorship through the Guru de Negócios platform. This mentoring component emerged as a key strength of the initiative, enabling participants to gain clarity, confidence, and strategic direction. Each mentoring relationship was supported by trained volunteers, including Standard Chartered Bank employees, and designed also to sustain engagement during the project.
By the end of the cycle, five entrepreneurs were selected for recognition and seed funding based on the growth and impact of their businesses. These ventures, which reflect the project’s commitment to inclusive, sustainable development, span sectors such as eco-crafts, natural beauty, and local gastronomy. The immersive experience offered to these entrepreneurs – including technical visits, visibility in national media, and a closing event in São Paulo – illustrates the project’s holistic approach: combining capacity-building with recognition, visibility, and tangible investment.
Negócio Raiz shows our belief that with the right support structure, young entrepreneurs can thrive and drive transformation in their communities.
The initiative is promoted by Aliança Empreendedora, with support from Youth Business International (YBI), and funded by Standard Chartered Foundation as part of Futuremakers by Standard Chartered, the Bank’s global youth economic empowerment initiative.