Brazil's government will soon announce measures to bolster support for gig workers and small businesses, including raising income ceilings for benefits and tax-debt renegotiation, and expanding access to public sector purchases.
The Brazilian government's planned support measures aim to formalize and strengthen opportunities for over 16 million micro-entrepreneurs, potentially boosting economic activity and providing greater financial stability for self-employed workers and small business owners.
BRASILIA, June 24 (Reuters) - Brazil's government is set to unveil new measures in the coming days aimed at enhancing support for gig workers and small businesses. The Ministry of Entrepreneurship announced that these initiatives will include proposals to increase the income threshold for benefits and tax-debt renegotiation, as well as broaden access for small businesses to public sector contracts.
Micro-entrepreneurs (MEIs), a simplified business category designed to formalize self-employed individuals like delivery drivers and small business owners, currently number over 16 million in Brazil. The government's new proposals aim to strengthen opportunities for this significant segment of the workforce.
While specific details on the new income ceiling for benefits and tax-debt renegotiation were not immediately provided, Finance Minister Dario Durigan indicated last week that by 2028, workers earning up to approximately 130,000 reais (about $25,023) annually could be eligible, a substantial increase from the current 81,000 reais limit.
Another key measure involves regularizing debts for MEIs registered in federal active debt, enabling them to resume operations and access government benefits. Furthermore, the government plans to expand the 'Contrata + Brasil' program, which facilitates sales to the public sector for small businesses, by increasing the number of participating entities.