UNF Small Business Blog: Dare to Prepare

Consider this: almost 40% of small businesses that close due to a disaster event never re-open. Disaster preparedness and business continuity planning can reduce ? or prevent ? the impact of disruptive events, whether they are anticipated or unexpected. The 2012 hurricane season begins June 1 and the Small Business Development Center at the University of North Florida (SBDC) is ready to assist business owners as they prepare for the unexpected. Here is how we can help:

Training:
The Disaster Experience
When: June 1
8:00 to noon
Cost: $40
Location: UNF University Center, 12000 Alumni Dr., Jacksonville, FL
Information: The Disaster Experience is a tabletop exercise designed to put participants in the throes of a real-life disaster situation as it unfolds. Attendees will make the critical decisions any organization will have to face, deal with the consequences of those decisions, and understand the importance of planning in advance for a disaster or other business disruption. This program will be facilitated by Bob Mellinger, CBCV.
Registration: 904.620.2476 or http://www.sbdc.unf.edu/

Bulletproof Your Business
When: June 15
9:00 to 11:00
Cost: $5.00
Location: Beaver Street Enterprise Center, 1225 W. Beaver St.
Information: Business owners need to have a plan to stay open for business to make sure that their most valuable assets ? their people, processes and data ? are protected. Attendees will learn more about a Business Continuity Plan and how to put it into place for their business. Additionally, a representative from Insurance Information Institute will help attendees understand how real estate value differs from insured value, learn more about business interruption coverage, and give tips for saving money on property insurance.
Registration: 904.265.4700 or http://www.bsecenter.net/

Mobile Assistance Center:
The Florida SBDC Network?s Mobile Assistance Center (MACs), a 38-foot mobile RV equipped to be deployed and provide disaster assistance to small businesses post-hurricane will be at each event for tours and questions. The MAC is a part of the Business Continuity Recovery Management Program (BCRMC) and funded with grant monies from the State of Florida to enable SBDC business analysts to serve small business clients in times of disaster. It?s equipped with all the tools needed to help businesses in recovery and planning for the future.

Consulting with Certified Business Continuity Professional
The SBDC has two Certified Business Continuity Professionals who are available for individual consulting at no cost to the business owner. The CBCP is DRII?s most widely recognized and held business continuity certification in the world. CBCPs are professionals that have demonstrated both knowledge and skill in the business continuity and disaster recovery industry. Additionally, regular recertification requires an ongoing commitment to continuing education and industry activities. To make an appointment, call 904.620.2476.

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