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How do I develop a disaster recovery plan for small business?


Cartoon lifebuoy being handed from one computer screen to another
Make sure you are prepared for the unexpected

Developing a disaster recovery plan for your small business in Australia is a smart way to prepare for unexpected disruptions and ensure the continuity of your operations. There are many resources and templates available online to help you create a recovery plan that suits your specific needs and circumstances. Here are some of the steps you can follow to develop a recovery plan for your small business:

  • Identify the risks and impacts that could affect your business, such as natural disasters, cyberattacks, supply chain disruptions, staff shortages, etc. You can use a risk assessment tool or matrix to prioritise the most likely and severe scenarios.

  • Develop strategies and actions to mitigate the risks and minimise the impacts on your business. For example, you could backup your data, diversify your suppliers, train your staff, secure your premises, etc. You should also consider the costs and benefits of each strategy and action.

  • Create a continuity plan that outlines how your business will operate during and after an emergency. This plan should include the key functions and processes of your business, the roles and responsibilities of your staff, the resources and equipment you need, and the timeframes and objectives for recovery. You can use the continuity plan template from business.gov.au to help you with this step.

  • Create an emergency action plan that describes what you and your staff should do in the event of an emergency. This plan should include the emergency procedures, the evacuation routes, the communication methods, the contact details of relevant authorities and stakeholders, and the safety measures. You can use the emergency action plan template from business.gov.au to help you with this step.

  • Create a recovery plan that guides your business’s recovery after an emergency. This plan should include the actions and resources you need to restore your normal operations, the financial and legal assistance you can access, the recovery goals and indicators, and the review and evaluation process. You can use the recovery plan template from Business Queensland to help you with this step.

  • Compile and attach any supporting documentation that is relevant to your recovery plan, such as detailed emergency procedures, evacuation maps, insurance information, etc. You can find some examples of supporting documentation in the emergency management and recovery plan template from business.gov.au.

  • Review and update your recovery plan regularly to ensure it reflects your current business conditions and needs. You should also test and practice your emergency action plan with your staff and stakeholders to ensure it is effective and efficient.

I hope this helps you develop a recovery plan for your small business. If you need more information or assistance, you can contact us at www.createabusiness.com.au

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