(sourced from pasbdc.org/continuity)
Overview
The SBDC knows that small businesses are the economic anchors in the community. Therefore, it is critical that business owners have business continuity plans in place to mitigate the impact of any type of business interruption, especially natural disasters.
Services
Pennsylvania SBDC business continuity & survival services available to small businesses include confidential consulting on topics such as:
- Creating, updating and refining business continuity plans
- Acquiring capital, before and after the event
- Using cloud-based alternatives for critical business operations, tools and infrastructure
- Developing mobile-ready strategies to prepare for employees working off-site when needed
- Expanding strategically through new markets online, abroad or with the government
- Finding ways to maintain connectivity during a business disruption
- Building an online presence including eCommerce to diversify sales streams
- Reviewing ways to optimize online performance through SEO and other website enhancements
- Discussing all available resources to your business including local, state and federal partners who provide disaster loans, disaster training and much more
The SBDC network has the experience and an excellent track record in responding across the state to help communities and businesses negatively impacted by external forces, such as natural disasters or economic dislocations. To see how your business can overcome setbacks from previous disasters and learn how you can prepare for future business disruptions, please complete a Request for Service.
Business Continuity Planning Helps Your Bottom Line
Customers expect delivery of products or services on time. If there is a significant delay, and you can’t fulfill your orders, customers may go to a competitor.
Larger businesses are asking their suppliers about preparedness. They want to be sure that their supply chain is not interrupted. Failure to implement a preparedness program risks losing business to competitors who can demonstrate they have a plan.
Insurance is only a partial solution. It generally does not cover all losses and it will not replace customers.
Many disasters, natural or man-made, may overwhelm the resources of even the largest public agencies, and they may not be able to reach every facility in time. Are you prepared to recover on your own?
News travels fast, and perceptions often differ from reality. Businesses need to reach out to customers and other stakeholders quickly during business interruptions to keep them informed, and to set expectations.
Resources
- Continuity Planning - Every business owner should have a plan in place just in case the unthinkable emergency or disaster happens.
- Disruption Recovery - Learn the key steps that every business owner should take following a business disruption.
- Business Continuity Resource Links - Links to more in-depth information on preparing for a business disruption.
- SBA Disaster Loan Information - SBA provides loans to homeowners, renters, businesses and most private, non-profit organizations to repair or replace real estate, personal property, equipment and business assets that have been damaged in a disaster.