Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s administration is launching a credit plan for small businesses.
It includes low-interest loans for microenterprises and MEIs, Pronampe debt renegotiation, and favorable terms for women-led firms.
Estadão reports these measures are forming into a Provisional Measure, spearheaded by multiple ministries amid Lula’s popularity concerns.
This initiative joins broader efforts to stimulate national credit, benefit Bolsa Família recipients, and promote real estate and currency hedging markets.
Small business support is a crowd-pleaser. By March 2024, the Ministry of Finance recorded 15.6 million MEI registrations.
The ProCred 360 program targets MEIs and micro businesses earning up to R$360,000 ($72,000) annually, offering lower rates and prioritizing women entrepreneurs.
Backed by the National Treasury through the FGO, it aims to provide more accessible financing rates and support Pronampe renegotiations for businesses with revenues up to R$4.8 million ($960,000).
Responding to Pronampe’s 8% default rate, the government focuses on easing renegotiation processes for pandemic-hit businesses.
Finance Minister Fernando Haddad calls for streamlining these procedures to improve financial health and expedite program launches.
Despite concerns about the FGO’s resources, the economic team is optimistic about funding sufficiency due to underused allocations in other programs.
Success hinges on government guarantees influencing bank engagement in Pronampe renegotiations and Bolsa Família loans.
Set for post-Easter launch, the package includes measures for small enterprises, debt securitization, and long-term investment hedging.
Haddad stresses a comprehensive approach to credit, aiming to support vulnerable individuals, struggling businesses, and banks seeking to clear loan space.