Small Business Continuity Planning - A must

A tornado strikes your business or home where your home office is located. Do you have a plan in place that will allow you to continue your business operations within minutes or hours? 

If the answer is no, then keep reading. 

Business Continuity Planning
It is just what the name implies, a plan that will allow you to continue critical business processes and services in the event of an emergency.

Business continuity planning (BCP) is not just for big business. For small businesses, having a BCP in place is even more critical. Consider that most small businesses can not afford to lose a week or even a few days of business to remain profitable. A recent survey found that less than 30% of small businesses have a BCP, and of that 30%, less than half were effective plans. 

• A BCP must incorporate more than just the business itself. Suppliers, vendors, employees, and even customers that may be impacted by a natural disaster can negatively impact a small business. Some disasters that impact your business may occur hundreds or thousands of miles away.  
• Insurance planning is critical to small business BCP. Most businesses have liability and property insurance. These coverages do not help your business recover quickly, or at all as they may only cover building damage. Identify what you need to do while your property is being repaired. 
• The foundation of any BCP is a communications plan that includes customers, suppliers, employees, and others. Determine how you will communicate temporary business disruptions, identify alternatives to keep your business flowing, and determine how you will finance temporary operations during the recovery process. 
• Create a BCP for each critical process. Your business may only be impacted in one area, or multiple areas of operation. Having a clear plan for each critical function will help you prepare in advance, prepare your employees, and implement an effective plan when required. 
• BCP must include those smaller emergencies as well. Create plans for catastrophic business failures, loss of critical equipment, or loss of an employee. 

Through proper BCP development, you can reduce the negative impacts of emergencies on your customers and your business. It is time to plan now for a disruption of operations that will more than likely occur during the life-time of your business. 

​If you don't have a plan, or are not sure where to start, get help. Your business will thank you.

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