Popular entrepreneurship with an impact on the territories

An initiative by the Dom Cabral Foundation promotes grassroots entrepreneurship as a force for economic and community transformation in Brazil.

From the upper Rio Negro region in Amazonas to Blumenau in Santa Catarina, ideas born within communities are gaining momentum to become real businesses. It is there, in the territory, where needs and potential meet, that grassroots entrepreneurship emerges as a viable and transformative path—not only in terms of income, but also in terms of future prospects.

It is precisely in this field that the Pra>Frente Movement, conceived by the Dom Cabral Foundation , with the support of the Bem Maior Movement and BNDES , operates. With a presence in all five regions of the country, the project maintains 12 entrepreneurial spaces, the so-called hubs , which offer in-person training, mentoring, and direct support for those who want to start a business based on local realities.

Far beyond training entrepreneurs, Pra>Frente activates networks. These are people who mutually strengthen each other, exchange experiences, build paths together, and form a solid base of continuous support. This makes all the difference in the journey of those who are starting a business, especially in contexts of economic vulnerability.

A structure that supports ideas and expands paths

Entrepreneurship is one of the most recognized forms of productive inclusion, as it emerges from local knowledge and activates strategies of collaboration, income generation, and belonging. When encouraged intentionally and structurally, it not only stimulates the grassroots economy but also strengthens community ties and broadens opportunities for those who have historically had little access to formal employment.

For this practice to reach its full potential, it is necessary to guarantee real conditions for the strength and continuity of businesses. As we pointed out in the article " 6 Ways to Strengthen Productive Inclusion ," this includes shared physical and digital infrastructures, such as production spaces, connectivity, equipment, and technical support—fundamental elements for transforming ideas into sustainable ventures.

Enhancing the conditions for grassroots entrepreneurship to flourish is part of the productive inclusion vision and strategy of the Bem Maior Movement. In the Focus , we direct investments to organizations that address the structural causes of inequality, with an active presence in the territories and the capacity to generate collective impact. It is precisely at this point that the Pra>Frente project stands out. By maintaining vibrant and accessible community hubs, it creates the concrete conditions for ideas to become realities, built in a network and with deep roots in the local area.

What drives business also drives territories

Today, the 12 hubs of Pra>Frente are meeting points, learning spaces, and networking hubs. Each one carries the stories of those who started small and, with support, gained the momentum to grow, strengthen their community, and inspire other journeys.

"They have each other, and those mentors are there to support them."

— Vanja Ferreira , new business manager at Fundação Dom Cabral

In 2024 alone, there were seven active units, with three new openings and operations in four regions of Brazil. The training program consisted of 12 classes, with a total of 25 hours of instruction, involving 519 registered participants and developing 215 entrepreneurs. At the end of each cycle, participants put their learning into practice through a fair organized by social educators, strengthening connections and expanding marketing opportunities. This year, five more hubs have already been inaugurated, and we can't wait for the next results.

The network that forms within these spaces is as strong as the businesses that emerge from it. It's where security, encouragement, and example reside. That's why grassroots entrepreneurship needs to be looked at with attention, strategy, and care —because, in the end, it moves much more than the economy. It moves entire territories.

"Directions to the Greater Good" is a series of stories that reveals, in practice, how initiatives supported by the Greater Good Movement are driving real transformations in their territories and causes. Each story brings to light inspiring trajectories of organizations that, with support and networking, strengthen community ties, expand opportunities, and build sustainable paths to development for Brazil.

By telling these stories, we want to show how strategic and collaborative philanthropy can activate the transformative potential of Brazilian civil society — through presence, listening, and intention.

Follow other trends at movimentobemmaior.org.br

Learn more about the Pra>Frente project at this link.