Perception of entrepreneurs regarding public policies in fighting Covid-19

Abstract Purpose: The research analyzed the perception of entrepreneurs in the cities of São Paulo and São Luis regarding if the public policies implemented during the pandemic were sufficient to face the Covid-19 crisis and how they contributed to the survival of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), in adverse situations. Originality/value: Faced with the advance of the Covid-19 contagion curve, governments worldwide have adopted measures to contain the disease. Such efforts negatively impacted organizations, especially MSMEs, which are more susceptible to the effects of the crisis. In these situations, the role of the State in promoting public policies to face the crisis is fundamental. It can represent the difference between survival and recovery versus the closure of business activities. Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative research with an exploratory, descriptive approach was developed through an empirical study carried out in two stages, combining the answers of a questionnaire in Google Forms and interviews with 48 entrepreneurs from MSMEs in the cities of São Paulo and São Luís. Content analysis was supported by Atlas.ti software. Findings: Five categories of public policies were created: 1. financial, 2. tributaries, 3. operational, 4. politicians, and 5. health. In adverse situations, government support is essential for the survival and recovery of MSMEs. It was concluded that although the support policies have been considered insufficient by surveyed entrepreneurs, those who managed to gain access reported that they were essential for maintaining the business.