GDP shows economic acceleration. Small businesses are part of the positive result

The Brazilian economy is showing signs of acceleration at the beginning of this year. The country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew the most in the first quarter of 2025 among the G20 (group that brings together the largest economies in the world), reaching 1.4%, according to data from the System of Quarterly National Accounts, released this Friday (30) by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). The highlights were the Agriculture (12.2%) and Services (0.3%) sectors - which have more than 11.3 million small businesses.

“Small businesses are essential to the Brazilian economy, representing around 27% of the national GDP and accounting for more than half of formal jobs in the country. GDP growth in the first quarter of 2025 shows the positive outlook for our economy. We had the lowest unemployment rate, which was 6.6% this month, in addition to inflation falling this month as well, and now GDP data shows that Brazil has the best Gross Domestic Product among the G20”, analyzes the president of Sebrae, Décio Lima.

“This movement reinforces the importance of small businesses as drivers of economic inclusion, job creation and innovation, contributing to the diversification and resilience of the national economy,” Décio Lima, president of Sebrae.

The survey also showed that, compared to the same period in 2024, there was a GDP growth of around 2.9%, which, added together over the last four quarters, results in an increase of 3.5%. On the other hand, IBGE data showed that Industry showed a small negative variation (-0.1%), considered as stability.

According to Sebrae's Access to Credit and Investments Coordinator, Giovanni Beviláqua, the data demonstrate signs of recovery and structural challenges that directly impact small businesses. “Despite some challenges, the more favorable economic environment in the first quarter, combined with the expansion of credit, creates opportunities for those who are able to innovate and adapt to market conditions,” he pointed out.

“Resilience, efficient management and diversification will be fundamental for small businesses to be able to contribute sustainably to Brazil’s social and economic development throughout the year,” he concluded.

Expectation

Last week, the federal government raised its projection for Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth by the end of 2025 from 2.3% to 2.4%.