Is your small business ready to handle a disaster? Smart entrepreneurs take the time to plan for the worst before it happens. Check out the following websites to find free guides and planning tools that can help ensure your company’s long-term survival. PrepareMyBusiness.org is a one-stop shop created by the SBA and Agility Recovery Solutions for small businesses preparing for a disaster at www.preparemybusiness.org. Ready.gov, is a site for individuals and businesses…
Disasters — both natural and manmade — are more common than you might expect, but too many small businesses aren’t doing anything to prepare. 90 percent of companies with fewer than 100 employees spend less than one day per month preparing and maintaining their disaster plans $140 billion in economic losses from 2012 disasters 11,000 people killed worldwide in natural disasters $20 to $25 billion In insured losses from Hurricane…
If you’re an entrepreneur, you’re probably well aware of the small business loans backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration. But the SBA also plays an important role after officially declared disasters, providing an array of direct loans—even to people who don’t actually own businesses. Business Physical Disaster Loans // These loans are worth up to $2 million and are made available to businesses of any size and most nonprofits…
Starting a food business comes with a special set of demands, but the good news is that special help is available, too, usually on a free or a low-cost basis. Here’s a quick rundown on some of the most useful resources here in Kansas City. Ennovation Center  The Ennovation Center, based in Independence, assists several kinds of new businesses, but it might be best known for its kitchen incubator, which…
The food business is a major part of the American economy. Here’s a quick look at this sector, by the numbers. 13.7 percent Specialty foods’ share of all retail food sales   $75.14 billion Total sales of specialty foods in 2011   $3.44 billion Sales of cheese and cheese alternatives, the largest category of specialty food   75 percent Of retailers report that a “local” label is the most influential…