Families registered in the Federal Government’s Single Registry for Social Programs (CadÚnico) can obtain oriented productive microcredit, aimed at entrepreneurship, at Banco do Brasil. The financial institution joined the Believe in First Step Program.
The agreement with the Ministry of Development and Social Assistance, Family and Fight Against Hunger (MDS) was signed on Wednesday (10), in Brasília. Banco do Brasil intends to expand the offer of targeted microcredit throughout the national territory, with a special focus on the South and Southeast regions, where the program still had a smaller presence.
In November, before BB formally joined the program, around 1,000 people in the Federal District received guided productive microcredit from the institution on an experimental basis.
According to the Ministry of Development and Social Assistance, Family and Fight Against Hunger, the Believe in First Step Program generated around R$13 billion. One of the axes of the program, released last yearBelieve in First Step was established by Law 14,995, of October 2024.
Results
In terms of promoting entrepreneurship, the Believe in First Step Program already accounts for more than 190 thousand targeted credit operations in 1 year, totaling R$1.7 billion transferred to families registered with CadÚnico. Of this total, 68% of the resources were allocated to women, the policy’s priority audience. The default rate is just 0.36%.
To ensure the security of operations, MDS structured the Operations Guarantee Fund (FGO). According to the ministry, the fund allows up to R$12 billion in credit to be leveraged for every R$1 billion in guarantees. SIG Believe was also created, a national system that monitors all operations in real time.
In addition to microcredit, the program offers professional training courses and support for entry into the job market. More than 2 million people have already been qualified, and CadÚnico beneficiaries have achieved a historic balance of formal jobs.
Currently, financial institutions such as Banco do Nordeste and Banco da Amazônia participate in the program, in addition to Banco do Brasil and Caixa Econômica Federal, which are gradually expanding their offer. Large companies, such as Coca-Cola, McDonald’s and Carrefour, also joined, opening jobs and supporting small businesses.
Program
Who can participate: people between 16 and 65 years old with updated data in the Single Registry
Priority audience: women, young people, people with disabilities, black communities and traditional populations (quilombolas, riverside communities, among others)
What the program offers:
- microcredit with low interest rates and specialized guidance
- professional courses
- support for entering the job market or opening a small business
Where to seek care:
- Sebrae Entrepreneur Rooms;
- Public banks such as Banco do Nordeste, Banco da Amazônia and Banco do Brasil;
- Credit unions and partner development agencies.
Objective: promote income generation, entrepreneurship and productive inclusion for low-income families registered with CadÚnico.
