O Development Bank of Minas Gerais (BDMG) announces on Thursday (25/4) the resumption of financing for small and medium companies in the tourism sector of the state, through a special credit program for this sector.
Fungetur guarantees bars, restaurants, accommodation, among other businesses in this production chain, access to reduced rates of 0.41% per month + INPC, with 48 months to pay.
Prices will increase this sector, which is already important to the economy of Minas Gerais. According to data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), the state leads tourism activities in Brazil in the last 12 months.
As of 2019, BDMG has served 1,300 tourism-related companies, with a loan of nearly R250 million.
The bank’s acting president, Antônio Claret Júnior, explains that the loan can be used as working capital, investment or acquisition of equipment.
The requirement to obtain the service is that the company has a Register of Tourism Service Providers (Cadastur).
“Small and micro enterprises are the main job generators in the country and run the trade and service chain. This source, under these unique conditions, will help companies to be fully equipped to keep the State at the top of the national tourism”, said Claret, remembering that in 2023 this was the sector that generated the most jobs in the state.
Business support
In addition to the reduced rates, another difference of the Fungetur line is the speed of hiring, which takes place entirely digitally. Analysis is done within one hour.
It is these attractions that attracted the attention of businessman André Simões Barbosa, owner of Hamburgueria Pão de Queijo Gourmet, in the historic city of Outro Preto, in the central region.
Located just a few steps from Praça Tiradentes, in the historic center of the city, which is one of the most sought-after places in Brazil for tourists, the burger restaurant attracts curious people who want to try a cheese sandwich.
Opened 12 years ago, the place gained new furniture and menus, as well as a modern kitchen, changes that were only possible with funding from BDMG.
“We have a high quality product, at an affordable price, made of 100% artisanal products. Changes in buildings and equipment have contributed to the increase of new customers, to attract old ones who like new developments, and profits. It also pleased the employees, who are very organized,” he said.
For entrepreneurs, credit provided a “boost” to the business. “When I saw the prices that were much lower than the market and what my money was getting, I saw an opportunity to develop a burger restaurant. The acquisition method was quick and easy”, he said, thinking about expanding the business to other cities that are part of Estrada Real.
Funding provided by BDMG through Fungetur is obtained from the Ministry of Tourism, through the guarantees of the National Support Program for Small and Small Businesses (Pronampe), which makes access to services easier for entrepreneurs.
The level of Minas leads the way
The bank’s loan contributes to the development of tourism activities in all the regions of Minas Gerais and is consistent with the diversification of the federal government’s policies in this sector, which has been recording performance above the national average.
According to IBGE data released in April, Minas Gerais continues to lead the growth of tourism activities in Brazil. An increase of 12.9% accumulated in the last 12 months, which is higher than the 4.9% recorded in the country during the same period.
A positive outcome is one of the hallmarks of Secretary of State for Culture and Tourism (Sect.)which launched the Mais Turistas program last year.
The adopted programs strengthened the sector that generated an estimated R34 billion in revenue in the state in 2023, a year in which 31 million tourists visited the areas of Minas Gerais.
The announcement of new tourist routes also contributes to the creation of job opportunities, most of them in the center of the country.
Minas Gerais created approximately 50 thousand jobs in the arts economy, corresponding to 26% of all 187,866 jobs created until November of last year, according to data from the New General Register of Employed and Unemployed (Detained) Persons. The number ranked the sector as the main job generator for the Government.