overview

In recent years, large-scale natural disasters have occurred frequently all over the country. In addition, risks other than natural disasters, such as the recent COVID-19 pandemic, have also become apparent. The impact of such natural disasters and the spread of infectious diseases may have a significant impact not only on the management of individual businesses, but also on Japan's entire supply chain. For this reason, in order to promote advance measures (disaster prevention and mitigation measures) for small and medium-sized enterprises against natural disasters, the Small and Medium Enterprise Agency submitted the "Act to Partially Amend the Small and Medium Enterprise Management Strengthening Act, etc. to Contribute to the Continuity of Business Activities of Small and Medium Enterprises (hereinafter referred to as the Small and Medium Enterprise Resilience Act)" to the 198th Ordinary Diet Session. After Diet deliberations, the Act was enacted on May 29, 2019, and came into effect on July 16. In addition, certification of business continuity strengthening plans for infectious disease countermeasures began on October 1, 2020. The Small and Medium Enterprise Agency is preparing various support measures to enable small and medium-sized enterprises working on disaster prevention and mitigation based on this act to easily formulate "business continuity strengthening plans."

What is the "Business Continuity Enhancement Plan" Certification System?

This is a system in which the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry certifies plans for disaster prevention and mitigation prepared by small and medium-sized enterprises. Certified small and medium-sized enterprises can receive support measures such as tax benefits, financial assistance, and additional subsidy points. Examples of items to be included in the plan are as follows.

- How to check natural disaster risks using hazard maps, etc.
・Procedures for initial response in the event of a disaster, such as how to confirm safety and evacuate
・Specific advance measures for securing personnel, protecting buildings and facilities, cash flow management, and protecting information
・Measures to ensure the feasibility of strengthening business continuity, such as implementing training and reviewing plans

→For details on guidelines for creating business continuity plans, basic policies, and guidelines for formulating plans, please seeSmall and Medium Enterprise Agency websitePlease refer to.