Tag: business plan

The Timely Entrepreneur’s BCP Audit Checklist

Posted on by Cherise

THE TIMELY ENTREPRENEUR’S BCP AUDIT CHECKLIST 

Ensure your Business Continuity Plan (BCP) is crisis-ready with this step-by-step audit. Identify gaps, strengthen weak points, and build unshakable resilience. 

Section 1: Leadership & Crisis Response 

 1.1 Crisis Management Team 

– Defined roles (who leads communications, operations, IT, etc.). 

– Updated contact list (phone, email, backup contacts). 

– Alternate decision-makers if primary leads are unavailable. 

 

 1.2 Emergency Communication Plan 

– Pre-drafted customer/staff messages (email, social media, SMS templates). 

– Designated spokesperson trained in crisis PR. 

– Backup communication tools (e.g., Slack, WhatsApp Business). 

 

Section 2: Operational Continuity 

 2.1 Critical Functions Identification 

– Ranked top 5 business functions that must continue (e.g., payroll, deliveries). 

– Cross-trained staff for key roles. 

 

 2.2 Workspace & IT Resilience 

– Remote work capability tested (VPN, cloud access, collaboration tools). 

– Backup power sources (generators, UPS for servers). 

– Key equipment/facility backups (e.g., second location, hot desks). 

 

 2.3 Supply Chain & Vendors 

– Backup suppliers identified for critical inventory/materials. 

– Contracts reviewed for force majeure clauses. 

– Inventory buffer for high-demand products. 

 

Section 3: Financial & Data Security 

 3.1 Financial Buffer 

– 3–6 months of operating cash reserved or accessible. 

– Line of credit secured with your bank. 

– Emergency cost-cutting plan (non-essential expenses listed). 

 

 3.2 Data Protection 

– Automated daily backups (cloud + offline). 

– Cybersecurity audit completed (firewall, MFA, employee training). 

– Recovery time objective (RTO) set for IT systems (e.g., <24 hours). 

 

Section 4: Testing & Improvement 

 4.1 Plan Testing 

– Annual fire drill or evacuation rehearsal conducted. 

– Simulated cyberattack/scenario tested (e.g., ransomware response). 

– Supplier disruption drill (switch to backups for 48 hours). 

 

 4.2 Maintenance & Updates 

– BCP reviewed quarterly (or after major business changes). 

– Employee training refreshed (new hires included). 

– Insurance policies updated (business interruption, cyber coverage). 

 

Section 5: Recovery & Post-Crisis Review 

 5.1 Short-Term Recovery (0–7 Days) 

– Checklist to resume critical operations (e.g., reopen store, restore data). 

– Customer retention plan (e.g., apology discounts, transparency updates). 

 

 5.2 Long-Term Improvements 

– Post-crisis debrief documented (lessons learned). 

– BCP revised based on gaps exposed during disruption. 

 

Take Action Now 

Need Help? Book a Free 15-Min Consultation with our resilience advisors. 

“A plan you don’t test is just a wish. Audit today—sleep better tonight.” 

— The Timely Entrepreneur Resource and Research Centre 

Business Resilience Plan Template

Posted on by Cherise

BUSINESS RESILIENCE PLAN TEMPLATE
By The Timely Entrepreneur Resource and Research Centre

1. Business Overview

– Company Name:
– Date Prepared:
– Prepared By:
– Key Stakeholders (Name/Role/Contact):

2. Risk Assessment

Identify potential threats and their impact (High/Medium/Low).
(Customize with risks specific to your industry.)

3. Critical Business Functions

List essential operations that must continue during a disruption (rank by priority).
1. Payroll & Employee Support
2. Customer Service/Communication
3. Inventory Management & Order Fulfillment
4. IT & Data Security
5. Financial Operations (Cash Flow, Invoicing)

4. Resilience Strategies

A. Financial Resilience
– Maintain 3–6 months of operating cash reserves.
– Diversify funding sources (e.g., lines of credit, grants).
– Cut non-essential costs (identify these in advance).

B. Operational Resilience
– Cross-train employees for critical roles.
– Backup suppliers (list 2–3 alternatives for key inventory/services).
– Remote work capabilities (tested and ready).

C. Customer & Communication Plan
– Crisis messaging templates (for email/social media).
– Key contacts list (customers, vendors, media).
– Loyalty retention strategies (e.g., discounts for long-term clients).

D. Technology & Data Backup
– Cloud-based systems for remote access.
– Weekly data backups (stored off-site/encrypted).
– Cybersecurity protocols (e.g., VPNs, MFA).

5. Emergency Response Plan

Step-by-step actions for immediate crises (e.g., fire, cyberattack, sudden lockdown).
– Step 1: Activate crisis team (list names/roles).
– Step 2: Secure people/assets (evacuation, IT shutdown).
– Step 3: Communicate with stakeholders (use pre-drafted templates).
– Step 4: Switch to backup systems (e.g., remote work, alternate suppliers).

6. Recovery Roadmap

How to restore normal operations post-disruption.
– Short-term (0–7 days): Resume critical functions (e.g., payroll, customer support).
– Medium-term (1–4 weeks): Rebuild inventory, assess financial damage.
– Long-term (1–6 months): Revise strategy based on lessons learned.

7. Testing & Maintenance

– Quarterly drills (e.g., mock supply chain disruption).
– Annual plan review (update risks/strategies).
– Employee training (new hires, refresher courses).

8. Resources & Support

– The Timely Entrepreneur’s Resilience Toolkit (templates, webinars).
– Local emergency contacts (e.g., IT support, backup suppliers).
– Insurance policies (review coverage annually).

Get Started Now
✅ Book a private consultation to customize your plan.
✅ Join our ***Resilience Workshop to stress-test your strategy.

“The best time to prepare was yesterday. The second-best time is NOW.“

This template is designed to be practical, actionable, and adaptable for businesses of all sizes—especially entrepreneurs and small businesses.

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