São Paulo – In November 2012, micro and small businesses based in the state of São Paulo posted the highest combined revenues for the month since the year 2000. According to a survey from the Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service in the State of São Paulo (Sebrae-SP), revenues reached R$ 45.1 billion (US$ 22.1 billion), up 4.7% from November 2011, inflation discounted. The amount comes out to an average of R$ 28,900 (US$ 14, 196) per company.
Trade was the best performing sector, with a 10.2% increase in revenues during the month, followed by industry with a 5.8% increase. Services sector revenues were down 3%, even though the result was influenced by a sharp increase in November 2011, which raised the basis of comparison.
The Sebrae forecasts that micro and small business revenues should be up 8% to 8.5% in 2012. In 2013, annual revenues are expected to be up 7.25%, as a result of stimulus measures taken by the government, such as the lowered benchmark interest rate and payroll tax breaks.
A Sebrae poll showed that 52% of micro and small business owners are expecting revenues to remain stable in the coming six months; 30% believe revenues will increase, and 8% expect a turn for the worse.
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
