The program will run until the end of 2021.

The selection process is currently underway and is open to R-Cities' network across Asia. Up to eight cities in the region will be selected to be part of the program. This partnership with The Resilient Cities Network reinforces Citi's commitment to support small and medium-sized businesses that are vital to helping cities stimulate economic growth, create jobs and improve resilience as they recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,' said Peter Babej, Chief Executive Officer, Asia Pacific, Citi. 'At Citi, we are committed to empowering communities by helping businesses to create jobs. R-Cities and Citi Foundation will work with these municipal governments to identify the potential solutions required after which small and medium-sized businesses will be invited to share their proposals for consideration through official government procurement processes.Įach city will either match funding provided through the CCRS program or provide in-kind contribution to the program. Many of these businesses have so far been reliant on stimulus and incentives to stay afloat.Īs part of the program, participating cities will propose projects or identify needs to improve resilience.

Small and medium-sized businesses, which make up 96% of all Asian businesses and support 62% of all jobs on the continent 1, have been hit particularly hard.Īt a time when cities need to do more with less, recovery efforts provide an opportunity to support local businesses through solutions that are more sustainable.

The Catalyzing City Resilience Solutions (CCRS) program will see R-Cities and Citi Foundation work with municipal governments to address pressing urban challenges exacerbated by the pandemic by making small and medium-sized businesses part of the solution.Īccording to the International Labour Organization, the pandemic has led to the loss of 81 million jobs in the Asia Pacific region. Hong Kong – Resilient Cities Network (R-Cities) and Citi Foundation today announce a new partnership aimed at supporting local small and medium-sized businesses while advancing the recovery of selected cities in Asia Pacific.

Global resilient cities network