AVALIAÇÃO DO IMPACTO DA CONCESSÃO DE CRÉDITO POR UMA COOPERATIVA DE CRÉDITO EM MUNICÍPIOS DE PEQUENO PORTE DE GOIÁS: UM RELATO DE EXPERIÊNCIA

Abstract

Limited access to credit in small municipalities can hinder regional development. In this context, the research analyzed the impact of credit cooperatives in communities with up to five thousand inhabitants in the interior of Goiás, based on a literature review and practical observation within the context of a local cooperative. The study aimed to understand how access to credit influences economic and social indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita and the Human Development Index (HDI). The analysis of consolidated data between 2020 and 2024 revealed significant growth in the cooperatives’ assets, equity, and credit balance, even with a reduction in the number of institutions, which was explained by strategic mergers. Case studies of the municipalities of Aparecida do Rio Doce and Gouvelândia showed significant improvements in socioeconomic indicators following the establishment of the cooperatives. The results confirm that credit cooperatives act as agents of financial inclusion and regional development, especially in areas with lower population density. It is concluded that strengthening these cooperatives should be encouraged as a strategy for reducing inequalities and promoting sustainable growth.