F/MS Top Startup Cities

5 min read

Belem, Brazil #930

City Scores

City Total Score

0.124

Overall ranking score

Quality Score

0.02

Ecosystem quality rating

Quantity Score

0.02

Ecosystem size rating

Business Score

0.09

Business environment rating

Score Distribution

Score Comparison

MeanCEO Index Click to scroll to details

57

Startup Ecosystem in Belém 🌟

TL;DR

Belém, ranked 930th in the Global F/MS “Best Cities for Startups” Index, offers a unique blend of rich cultural heritage and emerging opportunities for entrepreneurs. Despite being lesser-known, it’s a city teeming with potential for startups, especially in the agribusiness and technology sectors.

Startup-Friendly Stuff 📈

1. Ease of Company Registration

  • Business Registration: Efforts to simplify the registration process are ongoing, making it easier for startups to navigate bureaucratic requirements.
  • Startup Incentives: Local authorities are keen to attract tech-focused startups, offering various incentives and assistance.

2. Employment Law 🏢

  • Labor Regulations: Comprehensive yet daunting; compliance can be challenging for new entrepreneurs.
  • Hiring Foreign Talent: While hiring foreign talent is possible, obtaining work permits is essential and can take time.

3. Taxation 💰

  • Corporate Tax Rate: Generally around 15-25%, with some incentives for startups in specific sectors.
  • VAT Regulations: Value-added tax (VAT) typically sits at around 17%, affecting goods and services.

4. Quality of Life 🌆

  • Living Standards: Moderate, with a laid-back lifestyle and vibrant local culture, though incomes might be lower than in larger cities.
  • Culture and Leisure: A rich cultural scene with local festivals, historic sites, and outdoor activities to enjoy.

5. Bureaucracy 🗂️

  • Ease of Navigation: Challenges remain, particularly in obtaining necessary permits, but recent improvements have been made.
  • Government Support: Growing interest from local government to streamline processes for startups and small businesses.

6. Visas for Entrepreneurs 🌍

  • Startup Visas & Permits: Limited specific startup visas, but entrepreneurs can apply for general work and business permits.
  • Residency Options: Foreign entrepreneurs can find paths to residency through business investment.

Startup Community 🤝

7. Networking Events

  • Smaller but growing meetup scene, with local tech and entrepreneur meetups fostering community development.
  • Emerging events aimed at connecting startups with investors and mentors.

8. Subsidies and Funding 💵

  • Increasing government interest in supporting agri-tech and digital startups through various subsidies.
  • Access to grants and local incubator programs available for budding entrepreneurs.

9. Venture Capital (VC) Presence

  • Investments: Limited but growing VC presence focused on local businesses; more attention on agribusiness funding.
  • Major Firms: A few local firms are starting to invest in the startup ecosystem, showing rising interest.

10. Incubators & Accelerators 🚀

  • Some local incubators cater to technology and agribusiness startups.
  • Programs often include mentorship and training, though resources may be limited compared to larger cities.

Technology & Industry Priorities 🔧

  • Focus Areas: Agribusiness, E-commerce, Tech, and Sustainable Development.
  • Government Initiatives: Policies promoting innovation in agriculture and technology sectors.

Business Culture 🏙️

  • Language: Portuguese is the official language, but English is becoming increasingly useful in business circles.
  • Work Environment: Collegial and community-oriented, with growing support for innovation and collaboration.

General Pros and Cons ⚖️

Pros:

  • A supportive local culture that encourages innovation.
  • Growth potential in niche markets like agribusiness.
  • Rich cultural diversity that enhances community networking.

Cons:

  • Bureaucratic challenges remain a barrier for startups.
  • Limited access to experienced mentors and larger networks compared to major cities.

Initiatives for Female Entrepreneurs 👩‍💼

  • Local programs and initiatives are emerging aimed at supporting women in business, fostering a network for female entrepreneurs.
  • Growing awareness and participation in women-led workshops and funding initiatives.

Belém is quietly carving its niche as an emerging startup city, perfect for entrepreneurs ready to explore uncharted waters. 🌿

MeanCEO Index for Belém, Brazil 🌿

Belém may not be the most prominent name in the startup scene, but it possesses a unique charm and ample opportunities for female entrepreneurs. Let’s evaluate Belém’s MeanCEO Index score based on ten crucial factors that shape the entrepreneurial environment.

1. Weather ☀️

  • Score: 6/10
    • Belém has a warm tropical climate with a significant amount of sunshine throughout the year. However, it experiences considerable rainfall during certain months, which can affect outdoor networking opportunities.

2. Location 🏖️

  • Score: 5/10
    • While Belém is located near the Amazon River and has access to the coast, the beach is not as accessible as more prominent coastal cities. The swimming conditions may not be as appealing throughout the year.

3. Women Friendly 👩‍💼

  • Score: 6/10
    • Brazil has made strides in promoting gender equality, but there are still cultural challenges, particularly in certain regions. Belém shows a growing interest in supporting women in business, though traditional views may persist.

4. Foreigners Friendly 🌍

  • Score: 6/10
    • Belém is generally welcoming to foreigners, but its smaller community and potential language barriers may pose challenges for creating connections, especially for women.

5. English as a Business Language 📚

  • Score: 4/10
    • Portuguese is the primary language of business in Belém, and while English is becoming useful in some circles, it’s not widely spoken. This can be a barrier for non-Portuguese speakers.

6. Delicious Cuisine 🍷

  • Score: 7/10
    • Belém features a rich culinary scene with a unique flavor profile, often focusing on local ingredients. While onions are present, the use of fresh herbs and exotic fruits makes the cuisine delicious and healthy. However, local wine production is limited.

7. Ease of Getting Married and Starting a Family 💍

  • Score: 6/10
    • The dating culture exists, but traditional gender roles may persist. While there are handsome, active men, local customs may complicate modern dating practices.

8. Medicine 🏥

  • Score: 5/10
    • Access to healthcare services can be mixed. While basic healthcare is available, appointment scheduling and quality can vary, which may hinder quick access to services and tests.

9. Ease of Transportation & Traveling 🚍

  • Score: 6/10
    • Public transport within Belém is available, but infrastructure may not be as developed compared to larger cities. There’s an airport for travel but limited international connections.

10. Startup Mindset 💡

  • Score: 6/10
    • The community is slowly nurturing a startup culture, but many people still view failure negatively. There is work to be done in fostering a supportive environment for entrepreneurs, especially women.

MeanCEO Index Score: 57/100 🎉

Belém is quietly emerging as a hub for untapped entrepreneurial spirit. While there are challenges to face, particularly in terms of language barriers and gender equality, the growth potential, local cultural richness, and community support for startups signal a bright future. Female entrepreneurs willing to navigate these waters may find unique opportunities in this vibrant city.

Happy entrepreneurship! 🌟