Public policies on entrepreneurship for local and regional development: Between Self-employment and incentives for new high-yield businesses

The objective of this paper is to refine the model developed by Pages et al. (2003) by incorporating public policies not included in the original version, through the classification of public policy programs aimed at entrepreneurship and small businesses in the State of Goiás and the identification of the stage of economic development on which these programs focus. The research adopted a qualitative approach, leveraging documentary research on the websites of six departments of the Goiás State government to collect data. The actions in question were subjected to a content analysis and organized according to the corresponding stage of economic development. It was found that most State’s public policies are concentrated in the second and third waves of economic development. Initiatives aimed at promoting self-employment have been identified within, with a particular focus on specific groups, such as rural producers and family farmers, which were not considered in the initial theoretical model. The findings are pertinent because comprehending the path of public policies supportive of entrepreneurship and small businesses is a pivotal exercise in reflecting on regional development, thereby contributing to the enhancement and maturation of the proposal for future programs.