Free digital platform supporting SMEs launched to tackle consequences of COVID-19

The initiative aims to provide SMEs with services to implement business continuity measures as they face the repercussions of the ongoing health crisis.

The “Together We Continue” platform has officially launched as the first free Arabic language digital international portal supporting small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Egypt and the Middle East.
The platform was launched to help SMEs face the ongoing financial and economic repercussions of the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.
The platform comes as part of the “Together We Continue” initiative launched by Ahmed Riad, an international expert in business continuity and disaster risk reduction. Riad is also a member of the Board of Directors at the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction's (UNDRR) Global Private Sector Alliance.
The initiative aims to provide SMEs with services to implement business continuity measures as they face the repercussions of the ongoing health crisis.
It also looks to address the virus' effects on SMEs that face many challenges, including the possibility of closure and the failure to pay wages.
Riad said that the platform follows the UNDRR's communication strategy objectives in confronting the pandemic. One of which most important goals in this strategy is to provide the tools necessary to implement business continuity at factories and companies. A particular focus is on SMEs, to increase resilience in these companies.
He added that the initiative relies on providing good risk management to improve SME resilience and enhance their capabilities to withstand various challenges and risks. This comes in addition to providing clear plans and procedures on establishing an accident and emergency response structure, and ensure business continuity.
“The initiative aims to provide assistance to all institutions and entities looking to implement business continuity programs in order to ensure continued provision of vital services in a healthy and sound manner,” Riad said.
The initiative includes holding training sessions and discussions for SME owners, to clarify the processes and steps needed to establish and implement business continuity.
The initiative also aims to provide free scientific and operational content in accordance with international best practices in business continuity, institutional flexibility, crisis management, and disaster recovery. This is with a view to contributing to the implementation of business continuity programmes within SMEs to address the repercussions of the pandemic.
The digital platform offers a step-by-step business continuity application within organizations, and 500 free consulting hours online. It also contains the set of tools, information and guidance documents necessary for developing business continuity, to ensure vital services remain unaffected by crises.