When disaster strikes, whether it’s a wildfire, hurricane, flood, or cyberattack, small businesses often take the biggest hit. According to a 2014 study by FEMA and the US department of Labor, 40% of small businesses will simply not open after a disaster, and 3 years later, as many as 75% of those without a business continuity plan will have failed.

Fortunately, the internet is full of free, high-quality, expert-backed resources that can guide you step-by-step through creating a continuity plan. We've curated the best to help you get started.

1. IBHS Open for Business-EZ Toolkit

🔗 ibhs.org/BusinessDisasterRecovery

Developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, this toolkit is one of the most actionable disaster recovery resources out there. It helps small business owners identify potential risks, protect their assets, and minimize downtime. The format is flexible: you can work through it on your own or use it to guide a team conversation.

What’s inside:

• Business continuity checklists

• Emergency contact and vendor forms

• Risk assessment tools

• Employee communication templates

IBHS backs this toolkit with real-world data and insights. It’s built to work across industries, and it’s especially helpful for brick-and-mortar businesses that rely on physical infrastructure to stay open.

2. U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Resilience in a Box

🔗 uschamberfoundation.org/resilience-in-a-box

This toolkit was created in partnership with the UPS Foundation to help small businesses build a comprehensive resilience strategy. The materials are designed to be easy to use, even if you’re just starting out, and walk you through every phase of disaster planning, from prevention to recovery.

What’s inside:

• Quick-start guides to business continuity

• Templates for critical functions, supply chain, and customer communication

• Tips for identifying key vulnerabilities

Why it matters: Resilience in a Box is ideal for businesses that don’t have a safety officer or operations lead. It demystifies the process and gives you a strong foundation, fast.

3. SCORE Small Business Resilience Hub

🔗 score.org/Small-Business-Resilience-Hub

SCORE is a network of volunteer business mentors who provide free support to entrepreneurs. Their Resilience Hub includes articles, webinars, downloadable tools, and the option to connect with a mentor who can help you apply the information to your specific business.

What’s inside:

• Webinars on continuity planning and crisis response

• Templates for continuity and disaster plans

• Real-world examples of business resilience

• Free one-on-one mentorship

Why it matters: This is more than a toolkit; it’s a support system. Whether you’re writing your first continuity plan or updating an existing one, having a SCORE mentor in your corner can help you navigate tough decisions with confidence.