The U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Annual Small Business Summit gathers each year in Washington D.C. to help small business owners, managers and entrepreneurs network and discuss management concerns. This year though, some disturbing news was discovered when a survey was taken by the attendees.
According to a Business Wire press release, the Summit survey found that 52 percent of small business owners do not have a business continuity plan in place or a type of disaster recovery document to help employees and customers know what to do in the face of a natural disaster or other disruption.
"Given current economic conditions and increasingly unpredictable weather, small businesses have too much at stake to risk not having adequate coverage," said Marc Schmittlein, President and CEO of Travelers Small Commercial Accounts. "While their larger counterparts may have the capital to self insure and cover gaps, a smaller enterprise without the same resources may be forced into bankruptcy. This has implications for not only small business owners, but also for their communities and our economy at large."
The survey also found that 57 percent of small business owners only feel somewhat, or not very confident, that they have the appropriate insurance coverage to protect themselves in case insurable risks happen.
In order to set their minds at ease, small business owners who feel unprepared would benefit from meeting with a business continuity consultant, a trained professional to help them understand how to prepare for unforeseen circumstances and ensure that the company stays afloat after they occur. A consultant would also help companies facilitate tabletop exercises, so all employees are properly trained and educated.