Strengthening the disaster resilience of SMEs in Barcelona: landscape assessment study

This landscape study assesses the current state of disaster preparedness among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Barcelona Metropolitan Area. It identifies key capability and resource gaps and proposes targeted interventions, with particular focus on business continuity planning (BCPs), access to finance and capacity-building.

Based on desktop research and an online survey of 67 SMEs, the study provides a detailed snapshot of how prepared Barcelona’s SMEs are to withstand and recover from disruptive events. It highlights existing resilience measures and identifies priority areas where coordinated public–private action can have the greatest impact.

Key recommendations include:

• Disaster risk reduction (DRR) governance: Integrate SME representatives into the city’s resilience committees and emergency exercises. Establish a dedicated working group on SME resilience to ensure coordinated, inclusive planning and implementation.
• Capacity development and recognition: Deliver modular, sector-specific training with practical, hands-on support. Introduce a recognition scheme (e.g. a “Resilient Business” seal) to incentivize and showcase SME efforts.
• Financing and insurance: Provide targeted funding mechanisms and affordable disaster insurance solutions. Raise awareness and explore shared resource models, such as pooled funds or group purchasing schemes.
• Tech4DRR for SMEs: Develop SME-focused digital tools and maintain an accessible, regularly updated catalogue of resilience solutions.