May 28th, 2008
Disaster Planning Resources for Small Businesses
Disaster Planning Resources for Small BusinessesThe Association of Small Business Development Centers reports that more than one in four businesses will experience a significant crisis in a given year, and 71% of businesses without a plan never re-open. Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce’s Tools for Business website has some easy-to-implement resources to minimize these risks.
"Our website has a link to The Institute for Business Home Safety where you can request a free Disaster Plan Folder to form your plan and collect critical information and documents," says Kristen Whitener, President and CEO of Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce. "Plus if your insurance company is a member of the Institute, you can use their online small business protection tool."
Disaster preparedness doesn't have to be costly. Our site includes 'No Cost' ideas and 'under $500' ideas for a disaster protection plan. Some of the most basic ideas include:
•Back up your computer. It's never been easier, with Flash Memory Drives, external hard drives, or online backup services. If your computer information is critical, make sure your backup is located at least 70 miles away.
•Keep copies of your software keys (the IDs that show you paid for your software) offsite and readily accessible.
•Use your cell-phone camera, a digital or a disposable camera to take pictures of your business - the equipment, furniture, and typical inventory that you have. Keep those pictures off-site.
•Think through the three most likely disasters. In our area, they are a flood, a fire, or a theft. For each of those events, what are the critical elements you would need to get your businesses operating again?
•Remember that a disaster could happen if you or another key person is incapacitated. If someone had to replace you temporarily, what tools or information would they need to step into your shoes?
"If a disaster does occur, we have recovery tools as well," says Whitener. Our goal is to get businesses back in business quickly, because employees and the community depend on them."
The Disaster Planning and Recovery information is part of the Tools for Business Success, an online toolkit for businesses. This site is made possible through a partnership between Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce and the Skagit Valley College Business Resource Center. You can find it at www.mountvernonchamber.com, select "Business Resources", then "Tools for Business Success." Once you are in the Tools, select "Disaster Planning and Recovery."
"Our website has a link to The Institute for Business Home Safety where you can request a free Disaster Plan Folder to form your plan and collect critical information and documents," says Kristen Whitener, President and CEO of Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce. "Plus if your insurance company is a member of the Institute, you can use their online small business protection tool."
Disaster preparedness doesn't have to be costly. Our site includes 'No Cost' ideas and 'under $500' ideas for a disaster protection plan. Some of the most basic ideas include:
•Back up your computer. It's never been easier, with Flash Memory Drives, external hard drives, or online backup services. If your computer information is critical, make sure your backup is located at least 70 miles away.
•Keep copies of your software keys (the IDs that show you paid for your software) offsite and readily accessible.
•Use your cell-phone camera, a digital or a disposable camera to take pictures of your business - the equipment, furniture, and typical inventory that you have. Keep those pictures off-site.
•Think through the three most likely disasters. In our area, they are a flood, a fire, or a theft. For each of those events, what are the critical elements you would need to get your businesses operating again?
•Remember that a disaster could happen if you or another key person is incapacitated. If someone had to replace you temporarily, what tools or information would they need to step into your shoes?
"If a disaster does occur, we have recovery tools as well," says Whitener. Our goal is to get businesses back in business quickly, because employees and the community depend on them."
The Disaster Planning and Recovery information is part of the Tools for Business Success, an online toolkit for businesses. This site is made possible through a partnership between Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce and the Skagit Valley College Business Resource Center. You can find it at www.mountvernonchamber.com, select "Business Resources", then "Tools for Business Success." Once you are in the Tools, select "Disaster Planning and Recovery."