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Entrepreneurship among women in peripheral communities is growing stronger and shows just how much this type of work has transformed families. Women are investing in different areas to create their own businesses, especially in the neighborhoods where they live, where the demand for services comes from within the community itself. In 2024 alone, women accounted for 34% of entrepreneurs in sectors such as services, commerce, and technology across the country. In favelas, women lead 60% of enterprises, according to research by Investe Favela.
For mothers, entrepreneurship provides the opportunity to manage their own work schedules, which is especially important for those caring for atypical children. At Instituto C, many entrepreneurial mothers balance caring for their children with autonomous work. Despite the obstacles, they achieve financial independence and regain self-esteem through their work at home. This also strengthens the family, as mothers gain access to new opportunities and resources.
Challenges of Entrepreneurship in Peripheral Areas
Even with the growth of entrepreneurship among women in peripheral communities, many still face barriers that hinder professional growth. According to our income analysts Carol and Giovana, one of the biggest challenges they face is limited access to financial resources, especially for entrepreneurs in the food and beauty sectors, who need to invest in order to see positive results.
Lack of access to the necessary knowledge to formalize a business is another obstacle. One of our roles is to provide information so women understand their rights as entrepreneurs, whether through registering as a MEI (Individual Microentrepreneur) or other public initiatives.
Moreover, entrepreneurship is very common in peripheral areas, which creates strong competition among entrepreneurs. This requires women to find new ways to develop their businesses to stand out and reach their audiences.
It is also important to remember that many mothers start businesses out of necessity, not always choice, which can prevent them from seeing themselves as entrepreneurs. This necessity stems from needing income while maintaining flexibility. “It’s not about an entrepreneurial mindset; it’s about vulnerability,” explains Giovana.
Income Generation at Instituto C
Our Income Area listens to these entrepreneurial mothers, and many inspiring stories pass through here. Businesses range from selling cakes to creating educational toys through crafts and working as nail designers. Many women turn hobbies into a source of income.
“The Income Area at Instituto C helps families identify strategies and possibilities for financial health and income growth,” explains Giovana Santos, income analyst at the Institute. With guidance from our team, mothers share experiences and receive advice on MEI registration, income transfer benefits, organization, and access to technical and higher education courses.
Carol Fontes, also an income analyst, emphasizes that women’s drive to generate their own income often comes from the responsibilities of maintaining a routine that requires flexibility, as they are often the primary caregivers in their families.
Mothers Who Saw Entrepreneurship as an Opportunity
Nathalia Stephanie, who lives with her daughter, is an example of a woman who combined a dream with work. She took a manicure course at Instituto C (in partnership with Acciona), which sparked her passion for the field and became a source of income. In a competitive market, Nathalia distinguished herself by offering home services, gradually reaching more clients in her neighborhood. Today, she works from her home studio and also teaches courses.
By boosting other women’s self-esteem, Nathalia found that the beauty industry allowed her to transform her family’s life and redefine how she sees herself as a woman. “Sometimes it’s just a nail, but it’s always more than that. My profession gave me faith and hope, and I pass that on to my clients,” she emphasizes.
Similarly, Fátima Regina, who also lives with her daughter, found entrepreneurship through hairdressing. During the pandemic, she had to reinvent herself when salons closed, starting a new business selling books online. Passionate about reading, and inspired by her siblings who also sell books, Fátima now has a collection of around 2,000 donated books and views her business as a way to expand her knowledge.
New Perspectives in Entrepreneurship
Vanessa Ferreira, a mother of two, turned her love of crafts into income. She creates everything from decorative cakes to educational toys and works from her home studio. Vanessa also sells mini donuts for extra income, finding that her craft work helps her occupy her mind, express creativity, and take care of herself. “While I’m working, I’m not just Vanessa, the mother; I’m myself, useful and able to express ideas,” she explains.
Natália Alves, mother of two daughters, runs a family business with her husband, selling clothing and baked goods. She appreciates the flexibility entrepreneurship provides, allowing her to care for her children, even bringing them along when needed. For atypical mothers, work must adapt to the routines of both them and their children.
“A Sense of Empowerment”
Entrepreneurship strengthens these mothers and fosters a sense of community beyond business. At Instituto C, many mothers navigate caregiving challenges while caring for their children’s health. Having their own business gives them a new perspective, helping them see themselves not just as caregivers but as women deserving of care and opportunity. “Many atypical mothers don’t have partners, so they need to believe in their potential and that they can live fully,” reinforces Natalia.
Despite the challenges, entrepreneurial women feel fulfilled and believe this path is possible for many mothers. Fátima adds, “Entrepreneurship is a leap, but for me, it’s more important to have freedom with my time and to do things when I want. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.”
