The Network of Caribbean Chambers of Commerce (CARICHAM) has amplified resilience as a focus for the Private Sector since its creation in 2019. Representing over 100,000 enterprises from 21 Caribbean Chambers of Commerce, CARICHAM identified Disaster Risks as one of the main threats to the continuity of Caribbean Businesses, especially Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Businesses are often challenged with dedicating time and resources to business continuity, regardless of their vulnerability to such risks.

As a means of support to enhance the resilience of the Private Sector, particularly MSMEs, CARICHAM and its ARISE Network has developed the CARICHAM Business Resilience Toolkit in partnership with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). The toolkit has been complemented with the support of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). This tool, recently launched on March 31st comprises the following elements:

• CARICHAM Business Continuity Plan Template and Guide available in English, French, Spanish, Dutch and Haitian Creole 
• CARICHAM Business Continuity Planning videos in English, French and Spanish
• CARICHAM Family Friendly Business Continuity Plan Supplementary Checklist

CARICHAM expresses gratitude to all partners who contributed to the success of this toolkit.
UNDRR as a constant CARICHAM partner, provided financing and technical guidance in the completion of this toolkit and enabling collaboration between our ARISE network and other ARISEs networks and members in the region, such as McAllister and Craig Disaster Management Inc, who provided technical support for the development of its design and trained CARICHAM Chambers’ staff and resource personnel in the use of the Business Continuity Guide and Template to provide onward support to MSMEs. IOM supported the translation of the BCP template and guide in Dutch and Haitian Creole. UNICEF collaborated with UNDRR on the completion of the Family Friendly Business Continuity Plan Supplementary Checklist to ensure that the private sector takes into consideration the needs of families and vulnerable people.

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CARICHAM encourages all Caribbean MSMEs to use this toolkit to reduce their vulnerability to risks and ensure continuity of their activities for business sustainability and resilience. 

Contact your local Chamber of Commerce for more information.