Prepare for the unexpected: Build your business continuity plan

Disruptions can happen to any business, from extreme weather and power outages to cyber-attacks and staff illness. Based on the NSW Small Business Commissioner's Prepare for the Unexpected guide, this practical workshop will help you identify risks, prepare for emergencies and develop a Business Continuity Plan to help your business recover faster and continue operating during challenging times.

In this workshop, you'll learn how to:

• understand the importance of business continuity planning and the impact disruptions can have on business operations
• identify the key risks facing your business, including severe weather events, power and internet outages, cyber-attacks and the loss of key staff
• assess your business's level of preparedness using practical tools, templates and checklists
• develop plans for emergency essentials, insurance, finances, data backup, alternative premises and suppliers, and customer communications
• use hazard-specific checklists covering bushfire, flood, storm, structure fire and pandemic scenarios
• apply recovery and reopening strategies to help your business resume operations as quickly as possible.

By the end of the workshop, you'll be able to:

• recognise and prioritise the risks most relevant to your business
• prepare for common business disruptions using practical planning tools and resources
• create or strengthen a Business Continuity Plan tailored to your business needs
• develop strategies to minimise downtime and maintain operations during disruptions
• improve your confidence in responding to emergencies and recovering from unexpected events
• take home a printed copy of the guide and a first draft of your Business Continuity Plan for ongoing review and improvement.