Entrepreneurship grows in Amapá, by July 2026 7 thousand companies were registered. The number of entrepreneurs in Amapá grew 36.7% in one year, according to the Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service (Sebrae). The service sectors are leading the advance, driven by public policies and training programs, according to the institution. In 2025, the State registered 4,723 open companies. In 2026, the number rose to 6,460. The majority of new businesses are formed by Individual Microentrepreneurs (MEIs). Download the g1 app to see AP news in real time and for free According to Sebrae superintendent, Alcilene Cavalcante, growth follows the national trend. The new businesses are distributed between Macapá and municipalities in the North and South of the State. "Amapá is experiencing a prosperous moment. The economy is busy from Oiapoque to Laranjal do Jari and the national economic policy encourages new investments", said Alcilene. Sebrae also highlights the increase in entrepreneurs over 50 years old. Many leave the private sector and decide to invest in new businesses. “Sebrae has programs to encourage young people and people over 50. Many retired people want to use their experience to open businesses and continue in the private sector”, explained Alcilene. READ MORE: See support and training initiatives for startups and companies in Amapá Startups boost Amapá in the national innovation ranking Sebrae offers training for entrepreneurs Agência Sebrae/Reproduction ? CLT or entrepreneurship? ?The Consolidation of Labor Laws (CLT), created in 1943, regulates employment relations in Brazil. Those who work with a formal contract have rights guaranteed by the regime. On social media, young people have associated CLT with difficulties. The term became the target of memes and outbursts about the work model. 'If everything goes wrong, I'll become a CLT': what's behind young people's aversion to working with a formal contract Before the CLT, there were no defined working hours, wages could be reduced and there was no protection against illnesses or child labor. The law brought limits to capital and guaranteed rights to workers. Rhuan Christopher knows both realities. He worked for 13 years with a formal contract before opening his own business. The decision to undertake brought challenges and uncertainties. "I started providing consultancy services while I was still at CLT. When I realized that there was a market and that my business plan was viable, I ended the contract and continued as an entrepreneur", said Rhuan. Rhuan states that entrepreneurship requires planning. The idea needs to get off the ground with well-defined goals and strategies. "The process gives insecurity and fear, but the more you invest in planning, and I always recommend starting with the business plan, you will be able to take your idea and understand who your customers, suppliers, competitors are, if this business already exists in the State [...] then planning is the initial step", he said. Rhuan Christopher carries out consultancy Social networks/Rhuan Christopher How to open a MEI? To be a MEI you must have annual revenue of up to R$81,000 or R$6,750 per month, not have a stake in another company and have at most one employee. Formalization is simple and can be carried out in a few minutes, completely virtually. Step by step to open a MEI: Create password on the gov.br portal; Access the Entrepreneur Portal; Check whether the activity is permitted; Click on “I want to be a MEI” and then on “Formalize”; Complete the online registration. Required documents: CPF; Voter registration card; Residential zip code and location of the activity (with authorization from the city hall); Number of the last two Income Tax declarations; Active cell phone. Service sector leads the list Rafael Aleixo/g1 See the latest news from g1 Amapá VIDEOS with news from Amapá: