FA.VELA ‐ Fundo de Aceleração da Escola para o Desenvolvimento Vela

Programa de Aceleração | PIPA “Voando Alto!”

Stimulating Small Businesses and Entrepreneurialism in the Morro do Papagaio Community

The Aglomerado Santa Lúcia, better known as Morro do Papagaio, is one of the largest neighborhoods in Belo Horizonte, currently standing at 28,000 residents. The illiteracy rate in the community is high, and as there are few professional training opportunities there, youth employment in the formal sector is low.

FA.VELA was created in 2014 by social entrepreneurs born and raised in low-income communities. The members are all first-generation college students, representing a diverse range of fields including Law, Communications, Architecture, Business, and Environment. It’s project “PIPA” will provide Morro do Papagaio residents opportunities for professional and personal growth, essentially promoting their social and economic inclusion.

With support from BrazilFoundation the Association will:

• Offer entrepreneurial training to 20 youths and adults;
• Provide 40 hours of classes on topics such as marketing, finance, and business management;
• Create jobs and income generation opportunities for the community.

Impact

20 small entrepreneurs with sustainable business plans
240 hours of individual mentoring
10 small enterprises supported

“Entrepreneurial education initiatives have the potential to boost communities such as that of Morro do Papagaio.” Joao Souza, Founder, FA.VELA