The future of the Brazilian economy depends on a new generation of entrepreneurs who are bringing new ideas to a hitherto 'sleeping' business environment that has relied on the performance of large state-owned and semi-state companies. One of these leaders is Emerson Andrade, co-founder of the Peixe Urbano (Urban Fish) website. Educated at Stanford University, Andrade returned to Brazil and founded the website, which specializes in connecting consumers with special offers from local merchants. In just three years, the company has 'served' 20 million consumers who have saved two billion reals when buying goods at discounted prices in one hundred cities in Brazil and Latin America.
"Brazil - argues Andrade - must invest more in the development of entrepreneurship, supporting study programs abroad that allow future entrepreneurs to create an international network and to think in an innovative way". First steps have been taken. The Government sponsors the 'Science Without Borders' programme, which helps science and engineering students gain experience abroad.
"The greater availability of funds - concludes Andrade - and the return of expatriates with new ideas and greater sensitivity on the part of the Government contribute to a change in the economic climate in which entrepreneurship can finally grow".
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