ACSP: advocacy for entrepreneurs and private initiative
Approaching its 130th year of operation, the Associação Comercial de São Paulo (São Paulo Commercial Association– ACSP) advocates for reduced bureaucracy and lower tax burden.
by Leda Cavalcanti
The defense of free enterprise and entrepreneurship are core missions of the Associação Comercial de São Paulo (São Paulo Commercial Association – ACSP), the oldest trade association in São Paulo’s capital, which will celebrate its 130th anniversary on December 17, 2024. “We receive no federal incentives. We advocate without any hesitation for everything related to the private economy, as it is the engine of job creation and income generation,” says its president, Roberto Mateus Ordine.
Its efforts in advocating for reduced bureaucracy, lower taxes, increased credit availability for small traders, and the creation of public policies to stimulate business are well-recognized and extend beyond São Paulo’s borders. In the capital city, it boasts over 15,000 members, approximately 250,000 across the state of São Paulo, and more than 500,000 nationwide.
Services
ACSP operates as an intermediary between entrepreneurs’ demands and government officials. “We are the voice of entrepreneurs in society,” affirms the president. Among its achievements are the approval of the Positive Registry (Cadastro Positivo), the elimination of the CPMF tax, and the enactment of the General Law for Micro and Small Enterprises, which gave rise to the Simples Nacional tax regime.
For small and micro-entrepreneurs, ACSP houses a Commercial Board at its headquarters in downtown São Paulo, handling brand protection and legal imports. In cases of dispute, arbitration is conducted through an arbitration chamber, bypassing the need for the judiciary. It also partners with the Judiciary, and a small business court is located right in front of its headquarters, ensuring swift processes with full support from the association.
To enhance professional development, ACSP established the College of Commerce, offering undergraduate, graduate, and technical courses. Additionally, it promotes commercial dates and supports store promotions, bridging merchants and consumers with information and guidance on pricing, according to Roberto. “ACSP is a service provider and an ally to merchants.”
Entrepreneurship is challenging worldwide. “The individual is a trailblazer, facing all difficulties,” says the president, who views retail as a meeting point, especially in current times when stores are evolving, many offering cafes and leisure spaces. “Physical stores offer the allure of sociability and technical guidance. They allow for face-to-face contact, which is invaluable.”
This year, the Associação Comercial de São Paulo provides institutional support for the 17th Eletrolar Show. “The fair serves as a bridge between manufacturers and retailers. We aim to have a closer relationship with the home appliances and electronics sector. We are highly interested in guiding and emphasizing the importance of these products,” says Roberto.
Source: Revista Eletrolar News – Edição #161
