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Preparedness for Growing Small-to-Medium Businesses (SMBs)
(50-500 Employees / 500-1000 Employees)
Challenges:
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SMBs are expected to meet higher expectations in regards to standards, safety programs, and other requirements that they may not be aware of due to a lack of internal expertise in areas outside their core business. They’ve outgrown the training wheels and it is not acceptable to say “I didn’t know” to regulators, customers, or suppliers.
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Preparedness / business continuity processes may be difficult to fully implement until leadership commits the staff and financial resources.
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The organization may still believe incorrect assumptions such as “Our insurance will take care of everything after a disaster.”
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Only 25% of SMBs have taken action to prepare for disasters and disruptions. The three-quarters of SMBs in the U.S. without any preparedness planning have between a 20-33% chance of surviving after a disaster.
Recommendations:
As a business grows the mindset towards preparedness should also evolve:
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Business continuity / preparedness should have a designated representative to manage the development of continuity planning or a business partner who can provide that expertise.
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The focus for preparedness should expand beyond basic employee and customer safety to include planning for impacts from disasters on critical operations and company reputation.
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Employee training should evolve beyond a one-and-done approach to a regular structure at least annually.
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A documented Business Continuity Plan (BCP) should match company culture and requirements and show greater intent to safeguard employees and operations beyond minimum legal compliance.
Accinctus Solutions for SMBs:
- Development of an appropriately structured business continuity program based on the Accinctus ADAPTABLE© model including a Risk Assessment and Business Impact Analysis, an Emergency Action Plan (EAP), and a Business Continuity Plan (BCP) which should address mitigation and disaster recover (IT) considerations.
- Tailored employee preparedness and response team training integrated into your current employee training program.