Empreendedorismo em pequenas cidades: estudo de caso em uma empresa familiar no setor de motopeças em São João Evangelista-MG

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate, through a case study, the main challenges faced by the management of a small family business located in São João Evangelista, MG. The research is based on the observation that family businesses play a strategic role in the economy and society but face specific challenges in inland regions, such as poor infrastructure, limited access to credit, and a shortage of qualified labor. Founded in 2012, the company has established itself as a local reference in the motorcycle parts sector, achieving important milestones such as acquiring its own headquarters in 2023 and maintaining a lean team of six workers. The methodology adopted was applied in nature, with a qualitative and explanatory approach, structured in three stages: literature review, participant observation, and content analysis. Relevant academic databases were consulted, semi-structured interviews were conducted with managers and employees, and field diary records were kept throughout the year 2025. The sample included six participants from different company sectors and educational levels, providing a broad view of the organizational reality. The results highlighted six main challenges faced by the company: (i) logistical limitations that compromise service agility; (ii) financial difficulties, especially in pricing and cost management; (iii) competition, mitigated by temporary competitive advantages such as exclusive equipment; (iv) default, which affects cash flow despite the credit strategy aimed at customer loyalty; (v) restricted access to credit and institutional support, still little explored by managers; and (vi) scarcity of skilled labor, which directly impacts productivity and employee turnover.