CNDL – For the benefit of small and medium-sized entrepreneurs
For the National Confederation of Retail Managers (CNDL), the Eletrolar Show brings a new vision of retail and opportunities for its members.
by Leda Cavalcanti
For 65 years, the CNDL System has been working to benefit the trade and services sector, seeking ways to strengthen free enterprise, defend retail and expand programs such as Acredita and Desenrola. “Our status as the main representative entity for national retail drives us to defend the interests of commerce and services and offer opportunities to entrepreneurs,” says José César da Costa, president of CNDL.
The System is made up of the Federations of Chambers of Shopkeepers (FCDLs) in the states, the Chambers of Shopkeepers (CDLs) in the municipalities, SPC Brasil and CDL Jovem. The more than 1,500 CDLs present in the country offer their members institutional representation with local public authorities and provide, through SPC Brasil, solutions for risk analysis in the granting of credit and business management.
CNDL represents 500,000 associated companies from different sectors of activity and more than 1.4 million points of sale that, together, account for more than 9% of Brazilian GDP and 17% of the sector’s GDP. These companies generate 7 million jobs. In its representation with the federal government, it has given attention to the Simples Nacional ceiling agenda, which is essential for the maintenance of thousands of companies. The regulation of Tax Reform is closely monitored, as is the debureaucratization of the business environment.
New look
In 2025, Eletrolar Show receives institutional support from CNDL. “It is a reference for the sector, a space for retailers to connect with the country’s industry and with the main innovations in technology and business. It is where we make important connections. It is the place where leaders in the Brazilian retail purchasing area stay up to date, generate partnerships and good business. It brings suppliers and buyers closer together,” says José César.
The fair also brings a new vision of retail and opportunities to small business owners, adds the president. “They represent 70% of our total members. It opens new opportunities, and we want to expand the range of opportunities for our members. It is an innovation and an opportunity to buy and sell.”
To open more business opportunities for small entrepreneurs, CNDL is signing an agreement with Caixa Econômica Federal. The goal is to bring lower interest rates to this small entrepreneur. “He really needs it,” says José César.
Retail challenges
There are many in the business environment in Brazil, says José César. “Excessive bureaucracy complicates the opening and maintenance of new businesses. Access to credit is limited, with financial conditions often unfavorable. Additionally, there is a gap in entrepreneurial education, which needs to be filled with programs aimed at developing management and innovation skills.”
Government and private initiatives, such as Sebrae’s Women Entrepreneurs Program, are crucial to offering specific support to female entrepreneurs. Programs such as Finep and Start-Up Brasil also play a vital role, encouraging innovation and the use of cleaner and more sustainable production technologies.
In recent years, national retail has undergone many transformations. “Digitalization and social media have allowed micro and small businesses to reach consumers across the country. Today, they want a real connection with brands, products and services, and this relationship must be directly linked to values such as innovation, diversity, inclusion, sustainability, transparency and purpose. They want experiences with authenticity, personalization and convergence of the physical with the digital,” explains José César.
Source: Eletrolar News Ed. 166
