From the Desk of the

District Director

Disasters can happen when you least expect them.  Statistics show  25% of businesses fail to re-open after a disaster.  “Preparedness” is the best way for you to beat that statistic.  Here are some tips to help you get started.

Plan for Recovery

Planning is one of the most important elements of recovery. Writing and implementing a business continuity plan will help you minimize financial loss when your business faces a disaster. Your business continuity plan should:

• Identify and document critical business functions and processes
• Organize a business continuity team
• Evaluate recovery strategies

Get more help with creating a business continuity plan at Ready.gov.

Pivot your business

As businesses deal with a new reality, and “business as usual” takes on an entirely new meaning, most will need to rethink and retool how they do business in order to survive. Updating your business plan is critical.

If you haven’t already updated your business plan, start by taking these three steps:

1. Look for opportunities. Changes in consumer behavior provide opportunities for innovation and new market strategies. Determine how customers’ needs and wants may have changed due to the pandemic, and respond accordingly.
2. Streamline operations. Evaluate business operations to find opportunities to work smarter and more cost-efficiently. Review financials, short-term goals, and long-term goals and make appropriate adjustments.
3. This might involve modifying lease agreements, establishing contracts, or future business. Look for ways to streamline costs and reduce overhead.

 The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) network has a Business Resiliency Plan Template that you may find useful.    SCORE Small Business Resilience Training can give you the tools to adapt, reopen, and grow successfully through any disaster.

Continuous Learning

Taking advantage of business training and counseling through SBA’s Resource Partners can empower you with the knowledge you need to recover from any disaster and develop strategies for growth.  

 Click to find local assistance near you  Get Local Assistance (sba.gov)

See our Calendar of Events to see what is available in the Buffalo District.  Buffalo District Office | The U.S. Small Business Administration | SBA.gov

Include E-Commerce in your business model

Check out 12 Online Selling Tips for Beginners from SCORE.

The Department of Commerce provides e-commerce resources and strategies to help you navigate growing your business through online sales.

The Minority Business and Technology Initiative provides resources to accelerate the inclusion of minority-owned businesses in e-commerce and to improve the use of digital technology for domestic and global sales.

Evaluate your supply chain

Minimize supply chain interruptions during a disaster and find alternative sources to meet the demands of your customers:

The Supply Chain Risk Management Toolkit, developed by the DHS Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA), can help you shield your business information and communications technology from supply chain attacks.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s guide to Supply Chain Resilience may help you understand how local supply chains work together and how to minimize disruptions during an emergency.

SBA  is dedicated to the success our nation’s small businesses and can help your small business weather the storm through every stage of the business lifecycle, whether you need help recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic or overcoming challenges of a different kind.