With investments of R$ 80 million, the Brazilian Service for Support to the Small Business (Serviço Brasileiro de Apoio às Micro e Pequenas Empresas – SEBRAE) seeks to map nine business segments which will be impacted by the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ and train workers in eight thousand companies.
However, the lack of decision and also the delays in the work for the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ are already starting to hinder planning, as has been observed by the Superintendent of SEBRAE in São Paulo, Bruno Caetano.
In his view, one of the most serious problems is the airport at Guarulhos, a bottleneck which could have a negative effect on tourism. “The impact [of the World Cup] in São Paulo will be comparable with three Formula One Grands Prix and two Gay Pride Parades at the same time”, he says. Please check out some excerpts of his interview.
What are the main projects to be implemented by SEBRAE?
The World Cup is an event which will really shake up the economy and will greatly benefit small businesses. SEBRAE has hired the services of the Getúlio Vargas Foundation to map the nine main segments which will be impacted. Out of these, four have already been mapped, namely the segments of civil construction, information technology, tourism and also tourism-related production. In these segments alone, there are nearly 500 business opportunities. The next five segments to be detailed are agribusiness, wood and furniture, textiles and clothing, retail commerce, and services.
And what is the next step?
The next step will be direct work with the companies in these segments. There are plans to train nearly eight thousand companies. The initial focus will be on those ventures which have been working for more than two years. Next, we will monitor each segment and check the results.
How much value can the World Cup add to business?
In all, SEBRAE will be investing some R$ 80 million in research, training, special professional seminars and also the products offered. In São Paulo, 15 different tourism circuits will have opportunities in 2014 and will be visiting points. The impact on the city will be comparable to having three Formula One Grands Prix or two Gay Pride Parades in the same month. In addition, the city will also organize Fan Fests.
How do you assess the preparation for the World Cup?
The worst way of looking at the World Cup is that of considering that it is an event lasting only 30 days. The World Cup is not just that, and the business person who does not pay attention is already lagging behind. People think that the most important chain to be impacted is that of tourism, but in fact the most impacted segment is by far that of civil construction. This is pulled along by the Government which has made (or should have made) the investments for this event.
Have the delays got in the way of SEBRAE plans?
Not yet, but the amber lights are on, and not only for SEBRAE, but for São Paulo as a whole. With grave concern, we have been monitoring the declarations made by the FIFA President, often contradictory. We well know that there is an electoral process under way.
And what about airports?
This issue is starting to bog down the planning for the World Cup, most importantly the issue of the expansion of the airport at Guarulhos. Businesspeople are left without knowing whether this will be a business opportunity or a shot in the foot. This is a bottleneck which is already having a negative effect on tourism in São Paulo State. It is very difficult to set up a chain like that of the tourism segment without these minimum facilities.
Is there an estimate of the number of tourists expected for the World Cup?
A SEBRAE study suggests that a total of 500 thousand tourists should come over to Brazil in June and July 2014. This is more or less 9% of the total flow of tourists that Brazil receives in an average year. This would mean an increase of 10% just through the World Cup.
Is the hotel segment in São Paulo prepared?
There is quantity and quality. However, São Paulo is not going to come to a standstill in June and July 2014, as there will be several events which have nothing to do with the World Cup and which end up using our hotel capacity.
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04/05 | News
