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Redes Minas is a co-investment coalition formed by the Bem Maior Movement in partnership with the Localiza Institute and the MRV&CO Institute. Together, we connect training, capital, and the market so that women from territories in Minas Gerais can transform productive capacity into income and economic autonomy.
A woman alone carries her business as far as she can. A network takes that business further
Redes Minas was born from a diagnosis made in the territories themselves: women are already entrepreneurs, already support their families, and already know their craft. What is usually lacking is not productive capacity, but the conditions for it to be converted into a stable income.
The coalition organizes a comprehensive journey, starting with mobilization within the territories and continuing through technical training, mentoring and support, seed and working capital, until market connection. Each stage is supported by a different partner, and that is what distinguishes Redes from a standalone course.
Over the past ten years, female entrepreneurship has grown by 27% in Brazil, a 16 percentage point increase compared to men, according to a study by Sebrae based on the PNAD Contínua survey. In the peripheries, this movement has significant economic weight: data from DataFavela shows that entrepreneurs in these territories generate around R$ 300 billion annually in income and consumption.
The diagnosis by Redes Minas, conducted between January and April 2026 in the mapped communities, highlights the other side of this equation. Women have more education than men and yet receive less for the same job. Most become entrepreneurs out of necessity, and almost all remain without access to support networks or mentorship. Productive capacity, on its own, does not translate into income.
Redes Minas begins in 2026 with pilot projects that will train 300 women. The lessons learned from this phase will guide the design of the next two-year cycle, between 2027 and 2028, with the ambition of reaching up to one thousand women.
Mapping the challenges and organizations with local legitimacy.
Defining the thesis and priorities together with the anchor organizations.
Mobilizing partners and investors committed to the agenda.
Execution of the journey by the anchor organizations, within the territories.
Monitoring results and generating learnings.
Continuous expansion and strengthening of the coalition.
Redes Minas begins in three municipalities: Belo Horizonte, Itabirito, and Ribeirão das Neves. The selection was based on the presence of the anchor organizations in these territories.
The Minas Gerais branch of the Central Union of Favelas (CUFA), it operates in the state's favelas with projects in culture, sports, and entrepreneurship. Among its initiatives are the Taça das Favelas (Favela Cup), the Expo Favela Minas, and programs to promote female entrepreneurship.
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A network of women entrepreneurs created in Mariana after the Fundão dam collapse in 2015. It maintains an accelerator focused on training and developing businesses led by women in the region.
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An organization with ten years of experience, dedicated to expanding individual and family autonomy in marginalized communities. It works with professional training, productive inclusion, socio-emotional development, and sports and cultural workshops.
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Strategic partnership
Anchor organizations
Technical partnership
Redes Ceará is built by people and institutions who believe in collaboration. Companies, philanthropists, foundations, and leaders can also participate in this coalition. Learn more and find out how to support it.
I want to supportThe Networks model integrates MBM's strategy of territorial strengthening and decentralization of philanthropic resources in Brazil. Learn more about our coalition front and discover how the Networks are expanding across the country.
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