In Alaska, we’re no strangers to the unexpected. From sudden supply chain disruptions and power outages to wildfires, floods, extreme weather events, and shifting economic tides, Alaska’s small business owners know that staying flexible is key to staying open.
This September, the Alaska Small Business Development Center (SBDC) invites you to treat preparedness as a business strategy during National Preparedness Month. It’s not just about reacting to a crisis, it’s about building the muscle of resilience into your business operations so you can keep serving your customers, protecting your team, and meeting your goals no matter what comes your way.
Why Preparedness is a Competitive Advantage
Disruptions don’t just threaten revenue; they can interrupt your momentum, damage your reputation, and erode customer trust. But businesses that invest in continuity planning and resiliency practices can recover faster, and often emerge stronger after disruptions.
Preparedness is about more than having an emergency kit. It’s about:
- Ensuring your financial systems are protected and accessible even if your physical location is compromised.
- Knowing how to communicate with your customers during a disruption.
- Having backup plans for suppliers and staff.
- Understanding your insurance coverage before you need it.
- Training your team to respond confidently to the unexpected.
Real-World Scenarios, Real Alaska Solutions
Consider these all-too-familiar situations:
- A storm knocks out power for days in your community
- Ice road closures delay critical supply delivered
- A cybersecurity breach locks your point-of-sale system during peak season
- Wildfire evacuations force temporary closure during your busiest season
- A global economic shift dramatically reduces tourism
- Equipment failure in -40 F weather threatens operations
These scenarios aren’t hypothetical, they are the reality for many businesses. What matters is how you prepare to adapt and can continue to serve your community.
How the Alaska SBDC Can Help You Build Resilience
The Alaska SBDC is here to help you turn uncertainty into action with resources and support, including:
- Business Continuity Workshops: Access resources on cybersecurity, disaster resilience, and emergency financial management anytime, anywhere.
- One-on-One Advising: Work with an advisor to build a custom continuity plan, review your insurance and financial readiness, or develop contingency plans for your supply chain and operations.
- Connections to Additional Resources: We can help you connect with SBA disaster loan resources, the U.S. Chamber Resilience Hub, and local emergency management agencies.
Let’s Build Alaska’s Business Resilience Together
Preparedness isn’t about predicting what will happen. It’s about ensuring your business is ready to continue serving your community, even when challenges arise. Whether you’re a sole proprietor in a rural community, a growing retail business in Anchorage, a tourism operator in Southeast, or a service provider in the Interior, resilience planning is an investment in your business’s future.
This National Preparedness Month, take the first step toward building a resilient business that can weather any storm and emerge ready to grow.
Ready to Get Started?
- Connect with your Alaska SBDC advisor to begin your continuity planning.
- View our upcoming and on-demand workshops on disaster readiness and business continuity.
When Alaska’s small businesses are prepared, Alaska’s communities are stronger.
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