'Crescer' loaned R$ 9 billion to small entrepreneurs.
In its two years of existence, the program offering productive microcredit aimed at small entrepreneurs has loaned this amount to 3,5 million Brazilians, 64% of whom are women, Dilma reported this Monday during the "Coffee with the President" program.
Thais Leitão
Reporter from Agência Brasil
Brasilia - In two years of its creation, the Crescer Program – which offers productive microcredit aimed at small entrepreneurs – has lent R$ 9 billion to 3,5 million Brazilians. While giving an overview of the plan, during today's (14) weekly Café com a Presidenta program, Dilma Rousseff said that 64% of the people who took out the loan to open or expand their small businesses are women.
She pointed out that, through the Crescer program, loans ranging from R$300 to R$15 are offered at an interest rate of 5% per year. "These people are improving their lives, increasing their family income, and boosting the economy in their neighborhoods and cities. With Crescer, the federal government is supporting the entrepreneurial spirit of Brazilians, encouraging many people to start or expand their own businesses," she said.
Dilma emphasized that the loan can be obtained by those who want to start their own business or already have a business with an annual revenue of up to R$ 120 or a monthly revenue of up to R$ 10. When the loan is for working capital – used in the day-to-day operations of the business, for example, to buy merchandise – the repayment term is up to 12 months. In the case of a loan for investment, such as a renovation, an expansion, or the purchase of a machine, the term can reach three years. The program also includes agents who guide small entrepreneurs in planning purchases, organizing payments, creating a cash flow, and separating the company's budget from family income.
Access to the funds is through Banco do Nordeste, Caixa Econômica Federal, Banco do Brasil, Banco da Amazônia, Banrisul, Banestes, and Agência de Fomento do Paraná.
Loans granted during these two years of the Crescer program have averaged R$1,3, and 95% of borrowers repay on time. Furthermore, 76% of Crescer's loans went to the Northeast region of Brazil, and of the 3,5 million people who received the funds, 1,2 million are beneficiaries of the Bolsa Família program. "This shows that, even receiving the benefit, these people continue to strive to increase their income and improve their lives," added the president.
Edited by: Talita Cavalcante