Education
Improve your preparedness with educational tools and resources.
Each month, Prepare My Business will host free, educational Webinars. Attend these live, interactive courses and learn more about how to plan your business continuity and disaster recovery strategy. The more you know, the more you can help reduce your business's risk and quickly recover in a disaster situation. Register for our upcoming Webinars by accessing the titles to the right.
Remember, a good preparedness plan is a living document. Stay informed and update your own plan as you learn new challenges and best practices.
2016 Year-In-Review, Lessons Learned
TBD
Register Soon
While the scale and number of global disasters in 2016 thankfully didn’t set any new records, a number of dramatic events unfolded across the world, and with it stories of survival and lessons learned.
Join the US Small Business Administration and co-sponsor Agility Recovery as we highlight stories of survival from news-making disasters as well as the most commonly experienced isolated events from 2016. From these experiences Agility will detail the lessons learned with regard to business continuity and disaster recovery strategies for organizations of all types. Drawing from real-world recoveries in 2016, we will incorporate lessons learned on the top threats to business operations and how to avoid the most commonly made mistakes.
Discussion Topics will include:
- A retrospective of 2016's major events causing business interruptions
- Steps and tools your institution needs in order to be prepared
- Actionable ideas and best practices that can be implemented today to increase your organization's preparedness
This webinar is part of the PrepareMyBusiness campaign.
- Cosponsorship Authorization # 12-2110-114. SBA’s participation in this cosponsored activity is not an endorsement of the views, opinions, products or services of any cosponsor or other person or entity. All SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.
- Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact: Scott Teel at 908-216-9293, scott.teel@agilityrecovery.com.
- This Web site is provided as a public service under Cosponsorship Authorization 12-2110-114. It may contain links to non-U.S. government information. Inclusion of such links does not constitute or imply an endorsement by SBA. SBA is not responsible for the content, accuracy, relevance, timeliness or completeness of linked information. Please use caution when considering a product, service or opinion offered by a linked Website.
Social Media & Disaster Recovery
TBD
Register Soon
During an emergency, it’s imperative that those within your organization know how to communicate effectively. This need to communicate has led to increasing use of Social Media platforms during recent disasters across the globe. Join hosts Agility Recovery and the Small Business Administration during this webinar to learn the steps and best practices for developing your organization’s strategy for Crisis Communications utilizing Social Media.
During this session, we will address the value of Social Media and its use in crisis situations. Discussion will focus on best practices and simple steps any organization can take to build their presence in these channels, and ways to bolster your Crisis Communications plan by integrating Social Media as a central element.
This webinar is part of the PrepareMyBusiness campaign.
- Cosponsorship Authorization # 12-2110-114. SBA’s participation in this cosponsored activity is not an endorsement of the views, opinions, products or services of any cosponsor or other person or entity. All SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.
- Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact: Scott Teel at 908-216-9293, scott.teel@agilityrecovery.com.
- This Web site is provided as a public service under Cosponsorship Authorization 12-2110-114. It may contain links to non-U.S. government information. Inclusion of such links does not constitute or imply an endorsement by SBA. SBA is not responsible for the content, accuracy, relevance, timeliness or completeness of linked information. Please use caution when considering a product, service or opinion offered by a linked Website.
Preparing for Severe Spring Weather
TBD
Register Soon
We have all witnessed the devastating effects Mother Nature can cause throughout the year. As we look ahead to Spring, now is the time to prepare for the threats posed by spring storms and floodwaters. Your organization is more than just a place of business to your customers, employees and stakeholders. Your organization is a key aspect of their lives, and one that must be protected. If your organization is affected by adverse weather conditions, how well will you be prepared to serve those who depend on you in their time of need?
Join the SBA and co-sponsor Agility Recovery as we share practical, applicable tips and best practices to mitigate the risks posed by spring weather conditions. These recommended steps and strategies are based on the thousands of successful business recoveries following weather disasters, including those related to flooding, tornadoes and severe storms.
This webinar is part of the PrepareMyBusiness campaign.
- Cosponsorship Authorization # 12-2110-114. SBA’s participation in this cosponsored activity is not an endorsement of the views, opinions, products or services of any cosponsor or other person or entity. All SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.
- Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact: Scott Teel at 908-216-9293, scott.teel@agilityrecovery.com.
- This Web site is provided as a public service under Cosponsorship Authorization 12-2110-114. It may contain links to non-U.S. government information. Inclusion of such links does not constitute or imply an endorsement by SBA. SBA is not responsible for the content, accuracy, relevance, timeliness or completeness of linked information. Please use caution when considering a product, service or opinion offered by a linked Website.
Disaster Preparedness & Your Supply Chain
TBD
Register Soon
Most organizations know supply chain vulnerability poses a threat to their operations, yet few take proactive steps to mitigate that risk or enhance the preparedness of partners. In fact, many organizations may not consider some of the most vulnerable parts of their supply chain as partners at all.
Businesses can protect against disruptions and the impact on the bottom line by adding supply chain redundancy, performing collaborative test exercises, and simply working with their partners to develop a disaster preparedness strategy. Even if your organization doesn't rely on a long list of vendors & suppliers to create goods and perform services, this critical step in developing a comprehensive business continuity strategy can have far reaching implications during a disaster.
Join the US Small Business Administration and co-sponsor Agility Recovery as we discuss strategies and best practices for enhancing your own organization's preparedness by engaging suppliers, vendors and partners in the process.
This webinar is part of the PrepareMyBusiness campaign.
- Cosponsorship Authorization # 12-2110-114. SBA’s participation in this cosponsored activity is not an endorsement of the views, opinions, products or services of any cosponsor or other person or entity. All SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.
- Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact: Scott Teel at 908-216-9293, scott.teel@agilityrecovery.com.
- This Web site is provided as a public service under Cosponsorship Authorization 12-2110-114. It may contain links to non-U.S. government information. Inclusion of such links does not constitute or imply an endorsement by SBA. SBA is not responsible for the content, accuracy, relevance, timeliness or completeness of linked information. Please use caution when considering a product, service or opinion offered by a linked Website.
Protect Your Business This Hurricane Season
TBD
Register Soon
Join the SBA and PrepareMyBusiness co-sponsor Agility Recovery, as we share lessons learned and the best methods to prepare your organization for the upcoming Hurricane season.
The start of the 2017 season is only days away so the time for preparation is now. Your organization is more than just a place of business to your customers, employees and stakeholders. Your organization is a key aspect of their lives, and one that must be protected. If your organization is affected by a storm, how well will you be prepared to serve those who depend on you in their time of need?
Topics covered will include:
- Preparing Employees
- Practical Steps to organize & prepare your business
- Simple tools & takeaways any organization can use TODAY
This webinar is part of the PrepareMyBusiness campaign.
- Cosponsorship Authorization # 12-2110-114. SBA’s participation in this cosponsored activity is not an endorsement of the views, opinions, products or services of any cosponsor or other person or entity. All SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.
- Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact: Scott Teel at 908-216-9293, scott.teel@agilityrecovery.com.
- This Web site is provided as a public service under Cosponsorship Authorization 12-2110-114. It may contain links to non-U.S. government information. Inclusion of such links does not constitute or imply an endorsement by SBA. SBA is not responsible for the content, accuracy, relevance, timeliness or completeness of linked information. Please use caution when considering a product, service or opinion offered by a linked Website.
Leading with Resiliency During a Crisis
TBD
Register Soon
During recent disasters that affected large areas and groups of people, like the Fort McMurray wildfires in Canada or the “Thousand Year” flooding in South Carolina, we witnessed evidence of both strong leadership during the recovery, and failures in leadership both before and after the events.
Disasters routinely make it painfully evident that the human ability to properly lead and direct becomes increasingly impaired during times of crisis. Our limiting beliefs, and the fears that underlie them, often cloud our judgment – resulting in poor decisions and lower performance. When it comes to leadership, the fear of Failure, Rejection and Betrayal negatively impact our ability to accurately perceive reality and as a result, to lead with resiliency.
This session intended for audiences at all levels of an organization will draw on lessons from the greatest disasters in American history, including Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy, and will cover the obstacles to proper leadership, and strategies for developing our own capacity to be more resilient as leaders.
This webinar is part of the PrepareMyBusiness campaign.
- Cosponsorship Authorization # 12-2110-114. SBA’s participation in this cosponsored activity is not an endorsement of the views, opinions, products or services of any cosponsor or other person or entity. All SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.
- Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact: Scott Teel at 908-216-9293, scott.teel@agilityrecovery.com.
- This Web site is provided as a public service under Cosponsorship Authorization 12-2110-114. It may contain links to non-U.S. government information. Inclusion of such links does not constitute or imply an endorsement by SBA. SBA is not responsible for the content, accuracy, relevance, timeliness or completeness of linked information. Please use caution when considering a product, service or opinion offered by a linked Website.
The Top 5 Risks To Business in America
TBD
Register Soon
Every organization struggles with how to best prepare themselves for disasters. How to start? Where to begin? What threats are the greatest?
Join the SBA and Co-Sponsor Agility Recovery as we explore the top risks to businesses in America. Despite large, headline grabbing events, in reality, some of the greatest threats are posed by smaller incidents causing an interruption. The statistics are overwhelming: according to the Red Cross, 40% percent of businesses do not reopen after a disaster. And with small to medium-sized businesses being the lifeblood of the American economy, we must protect our operations. Your organization is more than just a place of business to your customers, employees and stakeholders. It is a key aspect of their lives, and one that must be protected.
Learn the Top 5 causes of business interruptions, best practices for mitigating these risks and lessons learned from those businesses that endured the worst case scenarios.
This webinar is part of the PrepareMyBusiness campaign.
- Cosponsorship Authorization # 12-2110-114. SBA’s participation in this cosponsored activity is not an endorsement of the views, opinions, products or services of any cosponsor or other person or entity. All SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.
- Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact: Scott Teel at 908-216-9293, scott.teel@agilityrecovery.com.
- This Web site is provided as a public service under Cosponsorship Authorization 12-2110-114. It may contain links to non-U.S. government information. Inclusion of such links does not constitute or imply an endorsement by SBA. SBA is not responsible for the content, accuracy, relevance, timeliness or completeness of linked information. Please use caution when considering a product, service or opinion offered by a linked Website.
Creating Evacuation & Shelter-In-Place Plans
TBD
Register Soon
It's the worst fear of any business leader: An emergency at or near your workplace, that could put your employees, staff and visitors in physical danger.
There are dozens of scenarios to consider that could present such a situation. But with some careful planning, and well-orchestrated drills, your office can be prepared for these types of emergencies by knowing where and how to take shelter inside your building, or evacuate quickly, safely and efficiently.
Join the US Small Business Administration and co-sponsor Agility Recovery as we discuss the best practices and easy to apply strategies for developing both shelter-in-place and evacuation plans, as well as orchestrating the drills that are so important to the safety of the individuals in your organization.
This webinar is part of the PrepareMyBusiness campaign.
- Cosponsorship Authorization # 12-2110-114. SBA’s participation in this cosponsored activity is not an endorsement of the views, opinions, products or services of any cosponsor or other person or entity. All SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.
- Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact: Scott Teel at 908-216-9293, scott.teel@agilityrecovery.com.
- This Web site is provided as a public service under Cosponsorship Authorization 12-2110-114. It may contain links to non-U.S. government information. Inclusion of such links does not constitute or imply an endorsement by SBA. SBA is not responsible for the content, accuracy, relevance, timeliness or completeness of linked information. Please use caution when considering a product, service or opinion offered by a linked Website.
NPM #1: TBD
TBD
Register Soon
What would you do if a fire, flood, server malfunction or health pandemic occurred at your office? If you had 15 minutes to evacuate, what would you take and where would you go? How would you continue serving your clients and community?
Think it can’t happen to you? Statistics show that 94% of business owners believe a disaster could seriously disrupt their business within the next two years. Are you prepared?
Join Agility Recovery and the US Small Business Administration us as we discuss the top 12 steps you can take to prepare any organization for interruptions. These steps will allow you to build a comprehensive strategy to face any threat. We've crafted this session to include on the straight-forward and simple to implement steps to make a real difference in your organization's preparedness.
Register today and begin the journey towards becoming a more resilient business.
This webinar is part of the PrepareMyBusiness campaign.
- Cosponsorship Authorization # 12-2110-114. SBA’s participation in this cosponsored activity is not an endorsement of the views, opinions, products or services of any cosponsor or other person or entity. All SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.
- Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact: Scott Teel at 908-216-9293, scott.teel@agilityrecovery.com.
- This Web site is provided as a public service under Cosponsorship Authorization 12-2110-114. It may contain links to non-U.S. government information. Inclusion of such links does not constitute or imply an endorsement by SBA. SBA is not responsible for the content, accuracy, relevance, timeliness or completeness of linked information. Please use caution when considering a product, service or opinion offered by a linked Website.
NPM #2: TBD
TBD
Register Soon
It is one of the most frequently asked questions we receive throughout the entire year of educational presentations on disasters: What are the most common mistakes organizations make when confronted by a crisis. We will share with you details emerging from literally hundreds of disaster events, both large and small, and point out the most common mistakes, and how to avoid them.
Join the Small Business Administration and Agility Recovery as we draw upon hundreds of recoveries throughout the past few years ranging from hurricanes and tornadoes, to building fires and plumbing leaks. We will address the decisions made, the plans not followed, and the panic-induced mistakes to help you avoid those same situations and lead your organization through a crisis.
This webinar is part of the PrepareMyBusiness campaign.
- Cosponsorship Authorization # 12-2110-114. SBA’s participation in this cosponsored activity is not an endorsement of the views, opinions, products or services of any cosponsor or other person or entity. All SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.
- Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact: Scott Teel at 908-216-9293, scott.teel@agilityrecovery.com.
- This Web site is provided as a public service under Cosponsorship Authorization 12-2110-114. It may contain links to non-U.S. government information. Inclusion of such links does not constitute or imply an endorsement by SBA. SBA is not responsible for the content, accuracy, relevance, timeliness or completeness of linked information. Please use caution when considering a product, service or opinion offered by a linked Website.
NPM #3: TBD
TBD
Register Soon
With so much on the line, leaders simply cannot afford to overlook the risk disasters pose to their organizations and daily operations. However, simply starting a Disaster Recovery plan can seem overwhelming at first. But it doesn’t have to be.
During this session, we will address some simple ways to build your resilience as an organization today with minimal commitment of time and resources. If you do nothing else this year to protect your employees, clients, income, and the future of your organization, these steps should be a top priority.
Protect your business and all the time, effort and energy you’ve invested by investing 30 minutes to prepare for the worst.
Join the US Small Business Administration and co-sponsor Agility Recovery for this final webinar of National Preparedness Month and leave with easy to implement and important steps any organization can take to become more resilient.
This webinar is part of the PrepareMyBusiness campaign.
- Cosponsorship Authorization # 12-2110-114. SBA’s participation in this cosponsored activity is not an endorsement of the views, opinions, products or services of any cosponsor or other person or entity. All SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.
- Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact: Scott Teel at 908-216-9293, scott.teel@agilityrecovery.com.
- This Web site is provided as a public service under Cosponsorship Authorization 12-2110-114. It may contain links to non-U.S. government information. Inclusion of such links does not constitute or imply an endorsement by SBA. SBA is not responsible for the content, accuracy, relevance, timeliness or completeness of linked information. Please use caution when considering a product, service or opinion offered by a linked Website.
Winter Weather Preparedness
TBD
Register Soon
The leaves are just starting to change colors in some areas of the country, but regardless of your location, now is the time to prepare for the threats posed by colder temperatures and frozen precipitation brought on by winter weather.
Join the hosts of this session, the US Small Business Administration and Agility Recovery, as we cover practical tips and best practices to help you prepare for the winter season ahead. These low-to-no cost steps can be taken today to protect your organization.
Being prepared this winter may mean the difference between surviving a crisis, or giving in to one. Register for this free webinar to protect your organization, employees and customers today.
This webinar is part of the PrepareMyBusiness campaign.
- Cosponsorship Authorization # 12-2110-114. SBA’s participation in this cosponsored activity is not an endorsement of the views, opinions, products or services of any cosponsor or other person or entity. All SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.
- Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact: Scott Teel at 908-216-9293, scott.teel@agilityrecovery.com.
- This Web site is provided as a public service under Cosponsorship Authorization 12-2110-114. It may contain links to non-U.S. government information. Inclusion of such links does not constitute or imply an endorsement by SBA. SBA is not responsible for the content, accuracy, relevance, timeliness or completeness of linked information. Please use caution when considering a product, service or opinion offered by a linked Website.
Start Building Your Disaster Recovery Plan TODAY
TBD
Register Soon
With so much on the line, business leaders simply cannot afford to overlook the risk disaster pose to their business and your daily operations. However, simply starting a Disaster Recovery plan can seem overwhelming at first. But it doesn't have to be. Join the US Small Business Administration and Agility Recovery as we discuss simple, effective and efficient ways you can build your resilience as an organization today, with minimal commitment of time and resources. Just a few simple steps can make the difference between giving in to a crisis, and surviving one. This is a can't miss webinar for any business leader or management team member.
This webinar is part of the PrepareMyBusiness campaign.
- Cosponsorship Authorization # 12-2110-114. SBA’s participation in this cosponsored activity is not an endorsement of the views, opinions, products or services of any cosponsor or other person or entity. All SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.
- Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact: Scott Teel at 908-216-9293, scott.teel@agilityrecovery.com.
- This Web site is provided as a public service under Cosponsorship Authorization 12-2110-114. It may contain links to non-U.S. government information. Inclusion of such links does not constitute or imply an endorsement by SBA. SBA is not responsible for the content, accuracy, relevance, timeliness or completeness of linked information. Please use caution when considering a product, service or opinion offered by a linked Website.
Top 10 Most Common Mistakes During a Crisis
TBD
Register Soon
It is one of the most frequently asked questions we receive throughout the entire year of educational presentations: What are the most common mistakes organizations make when confronted by a crisis. We will share with you details emerging from literally hundreds of disaster events, both large and small, and point out the most common mistakes, and how to avoid them.
Join the Small Business Administration and Agility Recovery as we draw upon hundreds of recoveries throughout the past few years ranging from hurricanes and tornadoes, to building fires and plumbing leaks. We will address the decisions made, the plans not followed, and the panic-induced mistakes to help you avoid those same situations and lead your organization through a crisis.
This webinar is part of the PrepareMyBusiness campaign.
- Cosponsorship Authorization # 12-2110-114. SBA’s participation in this cosponsored activity is not an endorsement of the views, opinions, products or services of any cosponsor or other person or entity. All SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.
- Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact: Scott Teel at 908-216-9293, scott.teel@agilityrecovery.com.
- This Web site is provided as a public service under Cosponsorship Authorization 12-2110-114. It may contain links to non-U.S. government information. Inclusion of such links does not constitute or imply an endorsement by SBA. SBA is not responsible for the content, accuracy, relevance, timeliness or completeness of linked information. Please use caution when considering a product, service or opinion offered by a linked Website.

2017 Schedule
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JANTBD2016 Year-In-Review, Lessons Learned
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FEBTBDSocial Media and Disaster Recovery
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MARTBDPreparing for Severe Spring Weather
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APRTBDDisaster Preparedness & Your Supply Chain
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MAYTBDProtect Your Business This Hurricane Season
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JUNTBDLeading with Resiliency During a Crisis
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JULTBDThe Top 5 Risks for Business Disasters in America
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AUGTBDCreating Evacuation & Shelter-In-Place Plans
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SEPTBDNPM #1: TBD
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SEPTBDNPM #2: TBD
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SEPTBDNPM #3: TBD
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OCTTBDWinter Weather Preparedness
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NOVTBDStart Building Your Disaster Recovery Plan TODAY!
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DECTBDTop 10 Most Common Mistakes During a Crisis