Through this initiative, the CCB offers specialized accompaniment and advice on issues such as advisory committees, specialized routes in family businesses, ESAL-type organizations and boards of directors, as well as virtual training and specialized events such as the Meetings with Family Businesses.

Corporate Governance is one of the CCB's key commitments to regulate the relationship between shareholders, board of directors and management. It is also an essential element for the generation of confidence among investors, since it establishes fundamental policies to mitigate the risks inherent to the market.

Corporate Governance provides a reference framework for decision making in organizations, allowing to keep the actions of managers under parameters and rules of the game that protect investors, stakeholders and the organization itself against instability, risks and conflicts that could cause loss of value and affect the sustainability of companies. The service

Since 2009, the CCB has been committed to the adoption of good practices with the publication of the Corporate Governance Guide for Closely Held and Family Companies, an instrument that has facilitated awareness-raising processes in more than 10,000 companies and implementation in 170.

This instrument was updated in 2023 and contemplates a focus on the sustainability and competitiveness of companies. It also includes three annexes for non-profit entities, family businesses and startups.

Since 2020, the Bogota Chamber of Commerce has been providing advisory committee services to more than 1,100 companies, 82% of which are micro and small. This initiative implements a mechanism designed to strengthen and mature the Corporate Governance model in companies. The Advisory Committees bring together a select group of experts and businessmen in an environment similar to a Board of Directors meeting. During the sessions, three experts and three companies participate, sharing knowledge and experiences that enrich the outlook of each participating company. This service seeks that the entrepreneurs live for six months the experience of the operation of a Board of Directors or Advisory Committee in an immersive way so that they can learn first-hand the possible methodologies that can be adopted for the proper functioning of their management bodies, in the case of boards, advisory boards or committees.

IV Meeting with Family Businesses

The fourth edition of this event took place on May 15 at the CCB's Chapinero Business Center, with the participation of 330 people. The event focused on highlighting the importance of governance in family businesses to ensure their continuity and growth. Experts in the field shared with the attending businessmen trends and good practices for the successful implementation of governance models in this type of companies. Likewise, topics such as compensation of family businesses, leadership and succession in family businesses, conflict management, generational succession planning, and the development of protocols, among others, were addressed.

The case of Sergio Tomani

The company Zapatos y Diseños SAS is a case of success associated with the effective implementation of Corporate Governance practices. Known in the market under the brand name 'Sergio Tomani', the company specializes in the manufacture of handcrafted shoes for export with a focus on the U.S. market.

The company was founded in 1998 by Andrés Linares Parada and Mónica Peña Castillo, who, from the beginning, have focused their attention on product design and the permanent search for high-quality natural materials and the recovery of artisanal manufacturing techniques. They are interested in materials such as leather, cork, natural wood, fique and natural rubber, which not only offer benefits such as thermal comfort, durability and well-being, but also reflect a commitment to sustainability and authenticity.

The company currently has 13 employees and is located in the Puente Aranda industrial zone in Bogotá. Its fundamental needs revolve around adapting the business model to the digital era and formulating marketing strategies, as well as promoting innovation and strengthening Corporate Governance.

"The Corporate Governance of our company is a weakness that we are working on to give continuity to the company beyond the initial managers. We are building the framework to lay the foundations for continuity," said Andrés Linares.

The company has received services from the CCB through the Productivity Factories program, an initiative that helped them to expand their presence and reach online; and the Corporate Governance program, with the service of Advisory Committees and Specialized Advisory Services.

Thanks to these, the company has been able to integrate a Board of Directors to exchange experiences with other business leaders and experts in various key areas for its development, and has also been able to receive guidance for the development of a family protocol that seeks to effectively manage succession processes.

"The CCB has been a permanent ally of our company, we are always attentive to see how they can support us to achieve our goals" emphasized the businessman.

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