Initiative has already financed more than R$ 79 million for bold projects in the South region
With the objective of fostering growth and increasing the competitiveness of micro, small and medium-sized companies, the BNDES (National Bank for Economic and Social Development) announced the BNDES MPME Innovative line. Through partners such as BRDE (Banco Regional de Desenvolvimento do Extremo Sul), the initiative grants financing of up to R$ 20 million to technology companies that present innovative characteristics and revenues of less than R$ 90 million per year.
Announced in partnership with ABES (Brazilian Association of Software Companies), the BNDES MPME Inovadora credit line serves the South region through BRDE. The initiative started in 2014 and made R$ 300 million available to the Southern States, which can be requested by companies based in the region and classified as innovative MSMEs.
In addition to easy credit, the program also offers more attractive rates to entrepreneurs, with 6.5% of interest per year and a term of up to 120 months with a grace period of up to 48 months. According to Murilo Pessatti, CEO of Chipus Microelectronics, the credit line plays an important role in the growth of your company. “This initiative was really important for Chipus, given that we financed three of the company's new product development projects, at rates and grace periods that truly surpass any other option available on the market.”
According to the balance sheet released by BRDE, since its creation, in August 2014, the initiative has already awarded more than R$ 79 million with 53 contracts closed in the southern region of the country. According to Felipe Castro do Couto, Planning Manager for BRDE's Santa Catarina Branch, “The BNDES MPME Inovadora line is being an important instrument for fostering innovation, especially for technology-based companies. The partnership with ABES was very important for this performance, as it brought the BRDE closer to the sector, after a long history of difficult access to long-term credit due to the requirements of financial institutions”.
According to André Medrado, an analyst at the BNDES 'Information and Communication Technology Department, the program helps bring BNDES closer to micro and small companies. “This line is a way of increasing the reach of BNDES 'operations through regional banks. BNDES has always had the challenge of working with small innovative companies and this line is helping us. ”
According to Jorge Sukarie, president of ABES, the credit line is important to leverage the development of micro, small and medium-sized companies that are responsible for most of the sector's innovative projects. “The entity is responsible for the articulation between the development banks, which are the economic agents, with the hubs and class entities of technology and innovation; and with innovative companies. For ABES, it is also very important to know that the southern region has this support to continue growing. We have a large concentration of associates there and we always seek to strengthen this sector. ”
In addition to announcing the Innovative MPME line, ABES also makes available on its portal a Guide to Industrial Support Instruments, developed by the Industrial Development Agency (ABDI). Through this tool, it is possible to consult the financial and technical support instruments for innovation and exports, trade defense, incentives and exemptions in the Brazilian market for industrial development, according to the company's profile and demand. Also according to Jorge Sukarie, the entity offers an information base to encourage the growth of the sector. “The association continually seeks to support and encourage the development of companies by providing the resources and information necessary for entrepreneurs to continue growing and expanding their businesses”.
EN 
PT 
