World Bank Group Backs Business Environment Reform and Inclusive Jobs in the state of São Paulo, Brazil

WASHINGTON, D.C., July 16, 2026 — The World Bank Group will support the state of São Paulo’s efforts to cut red tape for businesses, connect more workers to quality jobs, and expand economic opportunity for its citizens, through a new project. This $970 million initiative supports the State Government's Plano São Paulo na Direção Certa (São Paulo in the Right Direction Plan) to address structural barriers through a coordinated package of policy reforms. On the jobs side, the project helps create a state-wide job training and matching platform — the Trampolim platform — expected to reach 80,000 service users, strengthening connections between workers and employers across the state, including in smaller municipalities where labor intermediation has been weakest. It also supports the SuperAção SP Program, which integrates social support with skills development, charting a clear pathway from social assistance to productive, formal employment for São Paulo's most vulnerable residents. On the business environment side, the operation supports reforms to unify business registration, licensing, and legalization processes; centralize tax collection through standardized systems; and strengthen the governance framework for Public-Private Partnerships and concessions in transportation, energy, water, and sanitation. These reforms are expected to improve the business environment of the state, making it more attractive for new investment and entrepreneurship, and firms' growth and expansion. Greater transparency in regulatory frameworks and the mandatory public disclosure of tax benefits will level the playing field for firms of all sizes. The operation also establishes the Selo Investimento Verde — a Green Investment Seal — to channel private capital toward sustainability-aligned sectors and expand formal employment opportunities in emerging green industries. "This operation reflects a clear-eyed understanding that a strong business environment and an inclusive labor market go hand in hand. When firms can invest with confidence and workers can access good jobs, everyone benefits," says Cécile Fruman, World Bank Country Director for Brazil. The project is part of a broader World Bank Group effort to support inclusive growth in Brazil. The reforms it supports are expected to generate lasting benefits for workers, firms, and communities across São Paulo.