Equatorial Institute Invests R$ 910 Thousand in Women’s Energy Project 2026 to Train 784 Entrepreneurs in Seven States and Strengthen Women-Led Businesses

Initiative Expands Women’s Empowerment, Provides Seed Capital, and Strengthens Income Generation in Seven Concession Areas of Grupo Equatorial

First, the Equatorial Institute, the social arm of the Equatorial Group, announced in January 2026 the investment of R$ 910 thousand in the Female Energy Project 2026. In addition, the initiative will train 784 women entrepreneurs in the states of Goiás, Alagoas, Maranhão (São Luís), Piauí, Pará, Amapá, and Rio Grande do Sul. Thus, the program reinforces the institutional commitment to women’s entrepreneurship, income generation, and social inclusion, according to the official statement released by the organization itself.

In addition to the financial investment, the project will provide, for free, courses on entrepreneurship, financial management, marketing and sales, sustainability, and energy efficiency. Therefore, participants will have access to structured technical content to strengthen their businesses. Subsequently, 364 women will advance to the business plan development phase. At this stage, seed capital will be provided, along with personalized mentoring.

Moreover, enrollment is being conducted through online registration, as informed by the Equatorial Institute. The process occurs via the CIEDS platform and the institution’s official channels. Consequently, the program prioritizes women registered in the CadÚnico or referred by social assistance services. Additionally, the notice adopts inclusive criteria. Therefore, there are quotas designated for Black women and special attention to marginalized groups, such as people with disabilities, transgender women, traditional and nomadic populations.

According to Janaína Ali, coordinator of the Equatorial Institute, the project has a clear mission. “Through the Equatorial Institute, we seek to open pathways for each participant to transform their story, income, and reality,” she stated in an official declaration. Furthermore, she emphasized that the connection between women strengthens collective learning and stimulates creativity and evolution.

Meanwhile, practical examples demonstrate the results of the initiative. In Belém, Pará, the Yleus Atelier Creations, founded by Maria Suely, operates in the artisanal production of rosaries, plaster images, and devotional accessories. Currently, the business has already served over 200 clients. Thus, the entrepreneur transformed crafts into a source of income and community strength.

Similarly, in Teresina, Piauí, the brand Referência Preta, created by Débora Raquel, promotes Black representation through clothing and accessories. The business sells printed t-shirts, eco-bags, and custom pieces. Additionally, during the program, the founder participated in pitch presentations. Thus, she increased the visibility of the brand and access to new markets.

Previously, in the first edition held in 2025, the project trained 360 women in Pará and Piauí. Subsequently, 120 participants were selected for incubation. Later, they received seed capital and concluded the cycle with the realization of a Business Fair. Now, in 2026, the program has been expanded to the seven concession areas of the Equatorial Group.

Additionally, the schedule for in-person launches took place between January and February 2026. As officially reported, the presentations occurred on the following dates:

• 28/01 — São Luís (MA)
• 03/02 — Piauí
• 04/02 — Pará
• 06/02 — Amapá
• 10/02 — Rio Grande do Sul

Finally, the project maintains a focus on institutional transparency and clear technical criteria. Thus, the initiative seeks to deliver exactly what it proposes: structured training, productive inclusion, and sustainable strengthening of women-led businesses.

By: Charles Leite is Business Development Coordinator at Windpower at FUCHS, the world’s largest independent manufacturer of lubricants and related products.

Sign up

Connect with

Access

I allow you to create an account.

When you first accessed our site using a Social Access button, we collected your public profile information shared by the Social Access provider, based on your privacy settings. We also obtained your email address to automatically create an account for you on our website. Once your account is created, you will be logged into that account.

I disagreeI agree

Notify of

new follow-up comments new responses to my comments

Label

Name*

E-mail*

Save my data for the next time I comment.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser's cookies for the next time I comment.

ONESIGNAL ID

ONESIGNAL ID

I allow you to create an account.

When you first accessed our site using a Social Access button, we collected your public profile information shared by the Social Access provider, based on your privacy settings. We also obtained your email address to automatically create an account for you on our website. Once your account is created, you will be logged into that account.

I disagreeI agree

Label

Name*

E-mail*

Save my data for the next time I comment.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser's cookies for the next time I comment.

ONESIGNAL ID

ONESIGNAL ID

0 Comments

most recent

older Most voted

Built-in feedback

View all comments