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