Microentrepreneurship and local development in Portalegre/RN: current panorama

Abstract

The objective of the work unfolds in describing the context in which the micro-companies are operating and the roles they play for the Local Development (DL) of Portalegre / RN, from the perception of the micro-entrepreneurs. Bibliographical research was carried out and, understanding the importance of social subjects' perception of microentrepreneurship and its effects for Local Development, interviews were conducted with microentrepreneurs and the person responsible for the Entrepreneur Room. It was found that, in 2019, there were 293 micro-enterprises with Licensing Licenses issued by the municipality of Portalegre / RN, with 162 micro-enterprises formalized; In the face of such a scenario, a sample of 15% was defined as well representative, reaching the number of 25 microentrepreneurs. The results showed that the formalization of business grew based on the legislation of the Individual Microentrepreneur (MEI), reaching 55.3% of the microentrepreneurs registered with the Commercial Registry of the municipality; almost 65% indicated complete high school education or higher, suggesting good possibilities to absorb knowledge applicable to business and 100% of those surveyed believe that their business has a relevant role for DL, especially for the generation of occupations and income. On the other hand, it was found that microentrepreneurs do not consider that they enjoy an institutional environment conducive to DL, highlighting the insufficient support from the Federal and State Governments and the modest performance of the Municipal Government (Public Sector not very active to foster microentrepreneurs); no solid associations and / or bonds of trust were identified among the interviewees, which could signal the formation of social capital; the businesses generate sufficient incomes just for family support, indicating a low capacity for reinvestment to expand and / or incorporate innovations; finally, it was found that the micro entrepreneurs of Portalegre / RN manage to guarantee dignified living conditions in individual and family terms, but do not enjoy the necessary conditions to launch the DL.