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.
Starting Fresh - Assessing Risk & Threats in 2011 and Beyond
January 18, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. EST
Join the Small Business Administration and Agility Recovery for an educational webinar on the reality of risks, disaster recovery and business continuity.
Topics will include:
- Risk Assessment Basics
- Recognizing the Most Prevalent Risks & Threats
- Identifying Critical Business Functions
- Ensuring Supply Chain and Employee Preparedness
This is the first webinar in a series of monthly events co-sponsored by Agility Recovery and the Small Business Administration. Agility and the SBA have teamed up to help America’s businesses prepare and recovery from disaster.
We hope you can join the webinar on Jan 18, 2011
Disaster Recovery Year-In-Review - A Retrospective on the Events that shaped Business Continuity in 2010
February 15, 2011 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. EST
Join the Small Business Administration and Agility Recovery for an educational webinar on the major events and lessons learned with regard to business continuity in 2010, and how that can be applied to the future.
Topics will include:
- A look back at the major events of 2010 causing business interruptions
- A broad review of events causing the most impact and lessons learned
- What your organization needs to know in order to stay prepared
- New trends and technology influencing business continuity planning
This is the second webinar in a series of monthly events co-sponsored by Agility Recovery and the Small Business Administration. Agility and the SBA have teamed up to help America's businesses prepare for and recovery from disaster.
We hope you can join the webinar on February 15th, 2011
What you should know about the enhanced SBA approach to Disaster Assistance Funding
March 15, 2011 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. EST
Join the Small Business Administration and Agility Recovery for an educational webinar on how the SBA's enhanced approach to Disaster Assistance Funding can help in the midst of a catastrophe. The SBA has put tools in place–such as improved technology and a streamlined application process–which have increased our capacity to approve and disburse loans more quickly.
Join us for a look at types of disaster assistance the SBA provides, and the ways the loan program has enhanced its effectiveness in providing recovery assistance to homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes.
This is yet another installment in the monthly series of events co-sponsored by Agility Recovery and the Small Business Administration. Agility and the SBA have teamed up to help America's businesses prepare and recovery from disaster
We hope you can join the webinar on March 15, 2011
Leading with Resiliency during a Disaster
April 19, 2011 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. EDT
It has unfortunately become painfully evident in the wake of the Tsunami in Japan that human ability to properly lead and direct becomes increasingly impaired during times of disaster. Our limiting beliefs, and the fears that underlie them, often cloud our judgment and our engagement with reality – 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.
Join us on April 19th as we continue the 2011 Educational Webinar Series co-sponsored by Agility Recovery and the SBA with a discussion led by former FEMA Administrator, Chief David Paulison. Chief Paulison will draw on his experience of taking over command of FEMA following one of the greatest disasters in American history, Hurricane Katrina, and share his take on the obstacles to proper leadership, and strategies for developing our own capacity to be more resilient as a leader.
This is the fourth webinar in a series of monthly events co-sponsored by Agility Recovery and the Small Business Administration. Agility and the SBA have teamed up to help America's businesses prepare for and recovery from disaster
We hope you can join the webinar on April 19th, 2011
Protecting your Business this Hurricane Season
May 17, 2011 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. EDT
The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) defines an average hurricane season as having 9 to 12 named storms, of which 5 to 7 reach hurricane strength and 1 to 3 become major hurricanes. Noted hurricane expert, Philip J. Klotzbach and his associates at Colorado State University have issued their first extended-range forecast for the 2011 season, predicting well above-average activity with 17 named storms, nine hurricanes, and five major hurricanes.
We have all witnessed the devastating effects a hurricane can have on a community. And as we edge closer to the start of the 2011 season, the time for preparation is now. Your organization is more than a place of business to your customers, employees and stakeholders. Your organization is a key aspect of these lives, and one that must be protected. If your organization is affected by a storm, how can you help your clients in their time of need?
Join the Small Business Administration and Agility Recovery as Agility CEO Bob Boyd provides a step-by-step guide to preparing and protecting your agency from the severe damage a hurricane can cause your business. Topics covered will include assessing your critical business functions, evaluating the assets required to carry out those functions, communicating with employees and clients, and recovering your business should an event occur.
We hope you can join the webinar on May 17th, 2011
Crisis Communications Planning - the Keystone of Disaster Recovery Response
June 21, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. EST
During an emergency, it’s imperative that those within your organization know how to communicate effectively. This includes both internal and external communications. Join Agility Recovery and the SBA during this webinar to learn the steps and best practices for developing your emergency communication process.
Topics will include
- Needs assessment for crisis communication
- Ideal spokesperson characteristics
- Media communications strategies
- Establishing fact sheets and talking points
Disaster Recovery Best Practices and Lessons Learned
July 19, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. EST
Business interruptions happen every day across the continent. Some may be small such as a server malfunction or severed phone lines, others may be catastrophic such as the horrific tornadoes and widespread flooding which struck parts of the US this Spring. Regardless of the event, business owners are often faced with difficult decisions in the aftermath of the disaster. Regardless of what threatens your business, you can learn from 20+ years of experience recovering businesses in the midst of disaster. Join Agility Recovery CEO Bob Boyd, as he touches on some best practices that emerged from the recent recoveries across the Southeastern United States of small and medium sized businesses. He will also share several Agility members' real-world recovery stories and lessons learned.
Social Media and Disaster Recovery
August 16, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. EST
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 welcome noted expert John Orlando as he shares the evolution of Social Media and its use in crisis situations, as well as the best practices and simple steps any organization can take to bolster their Crisis Communications plan to include Social Media as a central element. In addition, we’ll hear from two leaders of social media-based efforts in Joplin, Missouri focused solely on the disaster caused by devastating tornado that hit their community, and the subsequent recovery & rebuilding efforts.
September is National Preparedness Month
For the seventh consecutive year, Agility partnered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Ready Campaign, and Citizen Corps for National Preparedness Month, a nationwide effort to encourage citizens to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, workplace and communities.
In an effort to educate all businesses about the importance of business continuity planning, Agility hosted free educational webinars throughout September.
Culture of Preparedness - The 72 Hour Rule
September 7, 2:00 PM-3:00 PM
Guest Speaker:
Mr. R. David Paulison
Former Administrator,
Federal Emergency Management Agency
As American’s reflect on the 10 years since the 9/11 attacks, we all should take time to address our personal, business and community preparedness. Join us for this FREE webinar as we welcome Chief David Paulison, Former Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), as he discusses the need for individuals, organizations and communities to be self-sufficient for a minimum of 72 hours following any interruption.
The 10 Commandments of Disaster Preparedness
September 14, 2:00 PM-3:00 PM
Guest Speaker:
Mr. James Rivera
Deputy Associate Administrator,
Office of Disaster Assistance
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? Where would you go? How would you continue servicing your clients? Think it can’t happen to you? Statistics show that 94% of small business owners believe a disaster could seriously disrupt their business within the next two years. Are you prepared? Join Agility Recovery and our co-sponsor, the US Small Business Administration as we proudly welcome James Rivera, SBA Deputy Associate Administrator in the Office of Disaster Assistance as guest speaker for this session. Mr. Rivera will provide you with 10 easy to implement, actionable steps you can take to enhance your organizations preparedness.
Resilient America - Personal & Community Prep
September 21, 2:00 PM-3:00 PM
Without question, most businesses will admit their most important assets is their employees. However most businesses take very little action to help their employees and their families prepare for, and recover from, disasters. During this FREE webinar you will learn detailed strategies and best practices for helping your employees prepare themselves and their families for a crisis, as well as the necessary steps individuals across the nation must take to become engaged in community preparedness and response efforts.
Survivor Panel - Real World Lessons Learned
September 28, 2:00 PM-3:00 PM
Business interruptions happen every day across the United States. Some may be small such as a server failure; others may be catastrophic such as tornadoes or floods. Regardless of the event, business owners are oftentimes faced with difficult decisions in the aftermath of the storm. Join us for a FREE webinar as we hear directly from those who endured both natural and man-made disasters. A question & answer session will follow their riveting stories of survival and lessons learned.
Preparing your Business for the Winter Weather Season
October 18, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. EST
We have all witnessed the devastating effects of Mother Nature throughout 2011 so far. Hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes have all ravaged various parts of North America. As we look ahead to the Winter Weather Season, now is the time to prepare for the threats posed by colder temperatures and frozen precipitation. 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 tips and best practices to mitigate the risks posed by winter weather.
The Impact of Corporate Preparedness on the Bottom Line
November 15, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. EST
Most corporations are operating on limited resources these days. Management may not feel that corporate preparedness is a vital activity. This could be in part due to the physical location of the business or just an “it will never happen to me” attitude. Regardless, this Webinar will review the far-reaching impact of corporate preparedness aside from the ability to recover following any interruption.
Join us to learn how corporate preparedness affects many key financial statements including:
- Balance Sheet
- Profit and Loss Statement
- Income Statement
Management Obligations during Disaster Recovery
December 20, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. EST
Facing a disaster, those in a leadership role can quickly become overwhelmed with the responsibilities of leading an organization through its most difficult times, while still maintaining operations.
Join Agility Recovery and the SBA as we discuss best practices and actionable advice on how leaders can best navigate these critical recovery situations. Bob Boyd, President & CEO of Agility Recovery will draw upon the thousands of real-world disaster recoveries in which Agility has participated, and focus on strategies for developing your capacity to be more resilient as a leader.
2011 Schedule
- JAN18Starting Fresh - Assessing Risk & Threats in 2011 and Beyond (ARCHIVED)
- FEB15Disaster Recovery Year-In-Review - A Retrospective...
- MAR15What you should know about the enhanced SBA approach to Disaster Assistance Funding
- APR19Leading with Resiliency during a Disaster
- MAY17Protecting your Business this Hurricane Season
- JUN21Crisis Communications Planning - the Keystone of Disaster Recovery Response
- JUL19Disaster Recovery Best Practices and Lessons Learned
- AUG16Social Media and Disaster Recovery
- SEPTNational Preparedness Month (Webinars Every Wednesday @ 2pm Eastern)
- OCT18Preparing your Business for the Winter Weather Season
- NOV15The Impact of Preparedness on the Bottom Line
- DEC20Management Obligations during Disaster Recovery
