Inclusive Entrepreneurship Fair energizes Porto Futuro with creativity
Sespa/CEPA initiative brings together autistic individuals and their families in another edition of the event that generates income and values the creative economy
This weekend, the Urban Park Belém Porto Futuro is the stage for another edition of the Inclusive Entrepreneurship Fair, a project that has transformed stories and generated new opportunities for hundreds of families in Pará. Organized by the State Department of Public Health (Sespa), through the State Coordination of Autism Policies (Cepa), the event reaches its 33rd edition on August 2 and 3, from 4 PM to 9 PM, with free admission.
More than just a space for commercialization, the Inclusive Entrepreneurship Fair consolidates itself as an initiative for social valorization and promotion of the creative economy. Aimed at people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), their families, and associations, the fair offers a showcase for the promotion of talents, original products, and entrepreneurial initiatives that contribute to income generation and the strengthening of productive inclusion. With each edition, the initiative reaffirms its commitment to public policies that unite inclusion, economic sustainability, and social recognition.
According to Luciana de Lima, a speech therapist from Cepa, the proposal goes beyond commercialization. “The Inclusive Entrepreneurship Fair is an initiative that seeks to promote the work developed by autistic individuals, their families, and partner organizations, always aiming to foster income and strengthen the protagonism of these families. It is a space for exchange, learning, and empowerment,” she explains.
Since its inception, the project has registered over 400 families in the Cepa system and has generated more than R$ 350,000 in products sold. These are mothers, fathers, siblings, and autistic individuals who see entrepreneurship as a way to achieve financial autonomy and social visibility.
Among the exhibitors in this edition is Andrea Barradas, mother of a young person with autism and an entrepreneur. She already operates in the market with products aimed at different audiences, and although she has experience with sales, this is her first time participating in the Inclusive Entrepreneurship Fair.
“Entrepreneurship is great because it helps with family income and, for those of us who are atypical mothers, like me, it makes all the difference. Our burden is very heavy, so being able to participate in these fairs, sell what we produce, and still network is wonderful. We meet people, have new opportunities, and feel more empowered,” Andrea shared.
She adds that she has high expectations for this edition. “Porto Futuro is a great space, with children and families circulating. I have products that cater to both children and adults and are regional, so I believe it will be a good experience,” she said.
Access to inclusion – During the two days of the event, the public will be able to check out a wide variety of handmade, regional, and original products, including clothing, accessories, food, stationery items, educational toys, personalized articles, among others. All produced with care and dedication by families who saw creativity as a means of overcoming and expression.
In addition to boosting the local economy, the fair also helps to break prejudices and broaden society's understanding of experiences related to autism.
“When you buy from an exhibitor, you are not just taking a product home. You are valuing a story of struggle, affection, and resistance. You are helping to build a more inclusive and fairer society,” Luciana emphasizes.
The expectation is that many people will visit the space this weekend, ensuring not only visibility for the exhibitors but also the maintenance and strengthening of the project, which has already established itself as an important public policy for socioeconomic inclusion in Pará.
Service
Inclusive Entrepreneurship Fair
August 2 and 3, 2025 (Saturday and Sunday)
From 4 PM to 9 PM
Urban Park Belém Porto Futuro
Address: Rua Belém, S/N – Bairro do Reduto – Belém/PA
Free admission
