Serviço Brasileiro de Apoio às Micro e Pequenas Empresas

Sebrae, formally known as the Serviço Brasileiro de Apoio às Micro e Pequenas Empresas, is a Brazilian public institution dedicated to fostering the development and competitiveness of micro and small enterprises across the country. It delivers a range of services that include business consultancy, technical assistance, training programs, guidance on accessing credit, support for innovation and technology adoption, and assistance with market expansion and internationalisation. These offerings are designed to help entrepreneurs formalise their operations, improve management practices, and increase productivity in various sectors of the economy. Sebrae operates through a nationwide network that comprises a central headquarters in Brasília and autonomous state-level units present in each of Brazil’s 26 states and the Federal District, allowing it to tailor assistance to regional realities while maintaining national standards.

The organisation’s distinguishing attributes stem from its exclusive focus on the micro and small business segment, a specialization that shapes its program design and policy advice. As an entity linked to the Brazilian Ministry of Economy, Sebrae contributes to the formulation of public policies aimed at strengthening entrepreneurship and reducing bureaucratic barriers for small firms. Its notable competencies include the implementation of initiatives such as Sebraetec, which connects small businesses with technological innovation, and the delivery of sector‑specific training that addresses local productive chains. Sebrae’s role extends beyond direct service provision to include advocacy, research, and the dissemination of best practices that benefit the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Structurally, Sebrae is a public foundation funded by federal resources, with its governance overseen by a board that includes representatives from government, business associations, and labour organizations. While the national Sebrae sets strategic direction and coordinates nationwide programs, each state Sebrae enjoys administrative and financial autonomy to execute actions that respond to local demand. This dual structure enables the organisation to maintain coherence in its mission while adapting to the diverse needs of Brazil’s micro and small enterprise landscape. The 2022 cyberattack that disrupted its website, state‑level platforms, and associated systems highlighted the importance of its digital infrastructure, prompting ongoing restoration efforts and continued customer support via telephone and WhatsApp while investigations into the incident proceed.