Mulheres negras e empreendedoras do Rio Grande do Norte: um estudo de caso do Programa Quartzo

Abstract

This work is a case study that aims to identify how being a woman and black has an impact (or not) on entrepreneurial activity, and is based on the experience of participants in the first edition of the Quartzo Program, which is a business acceleration program aimed at for black women residing in the state of Rio Grande do Norte. Developed by Sebrae RN and Black Rocks Startup, in partnership with Banco Itaú and IFC - Internacional Finance Corporation, a member of the World Bank Group, the program had 17 participants, of which only 13 agreed to participate in this work. In addition, 2 representatives of the program were also interviewed, totaling 15 interviews. The importance of this study lies in recognizing how issues of sex and race influence the creation and development of businesses led by black women, a topic little explored in academia. The research is classified as qualitative, exploratory and descriptive. The data collection instrument used was the interview, through the digital platform of video calls, Google Meet. Through the study, it is clear that the main difficulties presented by the group were related to management, especially financial, sexism and racism. The main results observed after the completion of the program was the appreciation and recognition of one's own entrepreneurial skills, and the strengthening of businesses.