Every entrepreneur is well aware of two of the biggest challenges in moving a business forward: obtaining resources to invest and finding ways to conquer new markets. At the 12th Sebrae Maranhão Entrepreneur Fair, these challenges stop being just concerns and become opportunities. In the 11th edition of the Entrepreneur's Fair, in Balsas, Arena de Crédito brought a lecture on marketplace tools to open new markets for small businesses Sebrae/Disclosure Between the 14th and 16th of August, at the Multicenter Negócios e Eventos, in São Luís, the Fair will bring together two spaces especially aimed at those who want to change their level: the Financial Solutions Arena and the Smart Retail Space. More than service or exhibition environments, they will function as true laboratories of solutions for small businesses, bringing together financial institutions, experts, reference companies and entrepreneurs who have decided to share experiences capable of inspiring other entrepreneurs. Credit as a factor in stimulating growth Obtaining financing is still one of the biggest challenges faced by small businesses. Often, due to lack of information or fear of financial market demands, or lack of conditions to offer the guarantees required by institutions, entrepreneurs stop investing precisely when an opportunity for growth arises. At the Fair, the Financial Solutions Space was designed to bring entrepreneurs closer to financial institutions and show that access to credit can be simpler when there is adequate guidance and preparation. During the three days of programming, the public will receive specialized assistance, real-time financing simulations, financial diagnosis, debt renegotiation, guidance on FAMPE (Sebrae Guarantee Fund) guarantees, use of Sebrae's Financial Planner and even contracting credit during the event itself. The program also includes lectures on financial management, pricing, tax reform, financial planning and real cases of companies that grew with the support of guided credit. Izabelle Castro, from Grão Vegetal, participates in the Espaço Soluções Financeira program, reporting how credit impacted the growth of the company Sebrae/Disclosure Among these stories is that of the entrepreneur Izabelle Castro, founder of Grão Vegetal, the first company in Maranhão specialized in vegetable proteins. She participates in the Fair to talk about how a credit operation, carried out through a partnership between Sebrae and Banco do Nordeste, with a guarantee from FAMPE Mulher, transformed the company's reality. According to Izabelle, the investment made it possible to modernize production, acquire equipment, strengthen marketing and prepare the company for a new phase of growth. "Before, it was much more difficult to produce because we were unable to purchase certain equipment. Today we are able to industrialize part of the production, increase our capacity, strengthen the brand and expand our network of contacts. Sebrae's support also opened up new market opportunities", highlights the entrepreneur, who will be on a panel sharing this experience with other entrepreneurs. In addition to the lecture, Grão Vegetal will also be present on the Gastronomic Route of the Fair, expanding its visibility among the public. More than credit: solutions to make your company grow Do you want to invest in the business, organize your finances or find the best line of credit? At the Entrepreneur's Fair, the Financial Solutions Space will bring together, in one place, experts, financial institutions and solutions practices to help micro and small entrepreneurs transform projects into investments and raise funds to start or expand their businesses. Another space that promises to arouse the interest of visitors is Smart Retail, created to show, in practice, how innovation, management, customer experience and technology can transform companies in different segments, mainly in retail. The proposal goes far beyond the exhibition of products. Distributor, a reference in Maranhão in the segment. Led by businesswoman Nilma Marinanto and her husband, the company will participate in both the Exhibition Pavilion (with Refribus) and the Espaço Varejo Inteligente, with Nilma Marinanto, from Soar Autopeças and Refribus, bringing inspiration and good practices for management and development of people in the Varejo Inteligente Sebrae/Disclosure No. exhibition environment, Refribus will present practical demonstrations of automotive refrigeration systems. And, in the Espaço Varejo Inteligente, at Loja Inspiração, Soar Autopeças will be present in an environment designed to welcome entrepreneurs interested in debates about management, innovation, people development and growth strategies.