Josi Oliveira, an entrepreneur in the beauty and wellness sector, experienced a transformative impact on her business after participating in the Empretec seminar, a practical training program created by the UN and implemented by Sebrae in Brazil. By attending this intensive five-day workshop, Oliveira learned to step back from the daily grind of running her beauty salon, JLR Beauty House, which she had taken over fully shortly before the pandemic hit. The seminar offered her the tools to innovate and adapt her business model.

Before the seminar, Josi was caught in the routine of solving immediate problems and managing daily tasks without taking time for strategic planning. After participating in Empretec, she was able to restructure her services into a unified concept that caters to a diverse clientele, blending a beauty salon, a nail salon, and aesthetic services. This pivot not only helped her survive the pandemic but also positioned her business for future growth as she learned to focus on long-term objectives rather than just immediate concerns.

The article highlights the importance of entrepreneurial training programs like Empretec in helping small business owners navigate challenging times. Josi's story illustrates how structured training can empower entrepreneurs to make informed decisions, innovate their offerings, and ultimately increase their efficiency. As more businesses adapt to changing conditions, such initiatives play a crucial role in fostering resilience and growth in local economies.