The project was created from a course at Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV) and works to train women in situations of vulnerability, strengthening female entrepreneurship
In 2010, determined to become an entrepreneur and to boost female entrepreneurship, Ana Fontes was selected for the Programa 10 Mil Mulheres (10,000 Women Program) at Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV), one of the most renowned institutions for education and research in management, economics, and public policy in Latin America. Aware that not all women would have access to that opportunity, she created a blog and a Facebook group to share what she was learning, using simple and accessible language.
Topics such as fears, doubts, and the challenges of being a businesswoman frequently emerged in the conversations. Based on this listening process, Ana decided to create the Rede Mulher Empreendedora – RME (Women Entrepreneurs Network), without imagining the social impact the initiative would have on the lives of thousands of women. “The organization stands out for offering services to companies that share the belief in female entrepreneurship,” she explains.
Currently, RME develops programs, projects, and events focused on training, connecting, and supporting women who wish to start a business or strengthen their companies. The training programs cover areas such as finance, marketing, leadership, and management. With nearly 15 years of operation, the organization has impacted more than 15 million women, directly and indirectly.
“We also have a mentoring program that supports women entrepreneurs with professional guidance and tips for their businesses,” adds Ana.
The organization also works in partnership with financial institutions to facilitate access to financing and microcredit aimed at women. In addition, it promotes debates, contributes to the development of public policies, increases the visibility of women-led businesses by connecting them with clients and partners, and develops programs that bring entrepreneurs closer to large companies.
To expand the reach of knowledge, the institution organizes the RME Festival, which contributes to business growth through talks, specialized mentoring, and networking opportunities.
Monthly, the Cafés com Empreendedoras (Coffee with Female Entrepreneurs) are also held – meetings that combine themed talks and the exchange of experiences. Training sessions take place both online and in person, in several cities across the country. Information about courses, formats, and available spots is shared through the organization’s social media channels.
Social impact of female entrepreneurship
According to the Information Panel of the new general register of Cadastro Geral de Empregados e Desempregados – Caged (Employed and Unemployed Persons) from the Ministério do Trabalho e Emprego (Ministry of Labor and Employment), there were 642,892 women in formal jobs in Brazil in 2023, representing a 32% decline.
On the other hand, the Female Entrepreneurship 2022 survey conducted by the Serviço Brasileiro de Apoio às Micro e Pequenas Empresas – Sebrae (Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service) showed a 30% increase in the number of women entrepreneurs between 2021 and 2022. In total, there are 10.3 million women who own their own businesses-the highest number recorded since the survey began in 2016.
The study also revealed that 34.4% of women entrepreneurs operate in the services sector. The states with the highest proportion of women leading businesses are Ceará (38%), São Paulo (37%), Goiás (36%), and Rio de Janeiro (30%).
Aware of the challenges faced by women who decide to become entrepreneurs, in 2024 the Rede Mulher Empreendedora (Women Entrepreneurs Network) signed a cooperation agreement with the Ministério do Empreendedorismo, da Microempresa e da Empresa de Pequeno Porte – MEMP (Ministry of Entrepreneurship, Microenterprise, and Small Business). “The program is called Ela Pode (She Can) and offers training, mentoring, and, subsequently, seed capital,” explains Ana.
“This agreement aims to specifically serve the Northeast region and women in situations of vulnerability who sought support through public services linked to the Ministry,” she adds.
An act of solidarity that transforms lives
Solidarity is a hallmark of Rede Mulher Empreendedora. Throughout its journey, several stories symbolize this impact, such as that of a student from Belém (PA) who received a donation and was able to buy an ice cream cart to sell frozen treats.
“We also had Ana, who started making brigadeiros to supplement her income and, with our support, moved on to producing gourmet brigadeiros, reaching such high demand that she could no longer keep up,” she reports.
Participants also highlight the importance of the connections created by the organization. “Seeking an opportunity to invest in my business, I signed up for Venda Vencedora (Winning Sale). The training was very enriching. The exchange of knowledge and hearing about the difficulties of other entrepreneurs made me realize that I am not alone,” said artisan Luciana Domingos Nascimento.
Denise Rocha, a resident of Ilha das Onças in Pará, took part in the Ela Pode program and later returned to the organization as a Portuguese teacher. “This time, the program was delivered to riverside community residents, encouraging them to become future entrepreneurs-women of determination and strength,” she says.
Learn how to support the Women Entrepreneurs Network
RME welcomes women volunteers interested in sharing their knowledge as mentors or speakers at events. To participate, it is necessary to complete a registration.
Donations can be made directly to the RME Institute by clicking here. For more information, visit the official website and follow the project on social media on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, as well as the Empreendedoras RME on Facebook.
