The Serviço Brasileiro de Apoio às Micro e Pequenas Empresas (Brazilian Service to Support Small Businesses), or Sebrae, has promoted the development of small local businesses in pacified communities since 1996 - In 2011 it developed a project called Comunidade Sebrae which has supported over 60,000 entrepreneurs through meetings, as well as the provision of targeted advice and training.

In March of 2014 a successful weekend long entrepreneurship event was held in the favela of Morro da Providência, and was conducted once more the following year in the pavão - pavãozinho favela in copacabana .

Startup Weekend Favela brings together 100 entrepreneurs to discuss and generate ideas on how to tackle issues affecting favela communities, including education, garbage disposal, income generation, culture and leisure. Teams of attendees work together to formulate and hone business proposals to secure required investment.