BDC unveils free online guide to help entrepreneurs plan for a flu pandemic and other emergency scenariosGuide includes information, tools and templates for easy planning
Montreal, May 9, 2007 BDC today introduced a free online guide to help Canadian entrepreneurs plan for emergency scenarios, including a flu pandemic. Experts agree that our economy would suffer severe consequences if business owners do not plan for business disruptions. BDC's user-friendly guide, available at www.bdc.ca/pandemic, provides small business owners with the information and tools they need to put together a continuity plan that will lessen the potential negative effects of an emergency situation."An organization's ability to respond effectively to interruptions large and small is critical," said Bruce McConnell, Vice President, BDC Consulting. "A solid business continuity plan will minimize the financial and human impact of a crisis and allow Canadian companies to maintain critical operations when a pandemic or other serious emergency does strike."Emergency events cause serious harm to people or substantial damage to property which may result in business disruptions. Small businesses are particularly at risk because of their smaller workforce and limited resources. They also represent the majority of Canada's goods-producing and service-producing employers: companies with fewer than 100 employees make up 97 percent of goods-producing businesses and 98 percent of all service-producing businesses. According to Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME), Canada's economy could suffer by as much as $60 billion in lost productivity and medical expenses due to a pandemic outbreak.Many small and privately held companies do not have a business continuity plan, making them vulnerable to the threats of natural disasters, industrial accidents and hazards, hostile acts or loss of critical resources. BDC's free online guide is designed to help small businesses minimize the risk that such crisis pose to the health and safety of employees and the continuity of business. BDC's online guide offers entrepreneurs useful information, tools, templates, checklists and links to additional resources.About BDCBDC is a financial institution wholly owned by the Government of Canada. BDC actively supports the development and growth of Canadian small and medium-sized businesses through its complementary financial, investment and consulting solutions. BDC is one of Canada's Top 100 Employers for 2007.
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For more information:Eva Boucher-HartlingMedia Relations Manager(514) 283-7929Contact by email
