São Paulo, June 2024 –  In response to one of the biggest climate catastrophes ever recorded in Brazil, Rio Grande do Sul faces an unprecedented crisis, which directly affected millions of people and paralyzed vital sectors of the economy. To begin the recovery process after the devastating impacts of the floods, the  “Rio Grande do Brasil” movement was launched, a collaborative initiative that brings together companies from across the country to offer incentives and support to victims and entrepreneurs in Rio Grande do Sul.

Amid the devastation generated by the floods in Rio Grande do Sul, local companies face a critical situation: operations paralyzed, roads and logistics interrupted, in addition to unavailable inputs. The impact is massive – there are companies that have been unable to operate for more than 40 days, resulting in the loss of stock, machinery and infrastructure. The inevitable consequence is job losses.

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Faced with this reality, there is a need for joint action that goes beyond government support. Thus, the Rio Grande do Brasil Project was born, an initiative that aims to retain capital flow in the state, directly supporting the population and small local entrepreneurs. The idea is to prevent money from leaving the state and, instead, direct it to those who need it most.

To this end, during a meeting with businesspeople from across the country, a platform was created that publicizes and encourages business support actions. The format is flexible, allowing each company to contribute according to its possibilities and business characteristics. The proposal is simple: publicize who is doing it, inspire those who haven’t started yet, and offer a clear and accessible way for everyone to get involved.

The focus of the campaign is on companies operating throughout Brazil, since the impact and need for unity are national. The suggestion is an average contribution of between 4% and 8% of revenue, adapted to the reality of each company.

The campaign already has the support of several companies and is open to new supporters, seeking to keep the local economy alive and sustainable. The impact will be visible: a totalizer on the website shows the accumulated value in discounts and support.

Supporting companies

• Zenvia:  grants 25% discount for 6 months to companies that are RS customers, up to a total discount limit of R$6,000;
• Conta Azul:  provides up to R$600,000 in discounts for RS client companies affected by the floods over the next 12 months;
• Alura:  offers a 3-month grace period for companies in RS, a 2-month grace period for active RS students and 10,000 full scholarships for the Geração Caldeira Program;
• iFood:  exempts restaurants from paying monthly fees until October 2024;
• Logcomex:  provides discounts of up to 2 months for SME customers in RS with 12-month contracts, limited to R$5,000 per company.

How to participate

The “Rio Grande do Brasil” movement is open to all companies and individuals willing to contribute, as per the suggestions below:

• Offering discounts:  mapping the customer base in RS and applying discounts directly, following suggestions of up to R$10,000 per CNPJ and up to R$1,000 per CPF, distributed over up to 12 months;
• Registration for the project:  by filling out the submission form available on the website, it is possible to provide details about the company, the incentive offered and contact information;
• Disclosure:  the communication kit, containing promotional materials to support the campaign, is available for download on the initiative’s website.

“We are starting from R$25 million and we would be very pleased to inject R$100 million into Rio Grande do Sul. But it is important to note that every contribution is important. It’s not about number, it’s about movement. Any incentive for small businesses or individuals at this time is great. Ultimately, R$100 makes a difference”, says Cassio Bobsin, creator of the movement and CEO of Zenvia.

The context of the crisis

At the end of April 2024, Rio Grande do Sul was devastated by intense floods, which intensified on the 29th of the month. Torrential rains severely affected the Taquari, Caí, Pardo, Jacuí, Sinos and Gravataí river basins, which overflowed, reaching 471 cities and also taking water to regions such as Guaíba, in Porto Alegre, and Lagoa dos Patos, in Pelotas and Rio Grande. In addition to the floods, the Serra Region also suffered from landslides, further increasing the destruction.

For more information on how to participate or to access the communication kit,  visit the website .

About Rio Grande do Brasil

With the aim of mobilizing companies and individuals in favor of the recovery of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, the movement emerged to stimulate and publicize economic support actions, ensuring the retention of resources in the state and contributing to the revitalization of the local economy. The initiative already has the support of several national companies and is looking for new partners willing to make a difference.

RPMA Comunicação
Arianne Garcia