An estimated 40 percent of businesses do not reopen after a disaster, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Of those that do reopen, 25 percent fail within one year.
The Kansas Small Business Development Center (KSBDC) at Wichita State will host a workshop and panel discussion that addresses crisis management in small businesses from 1-4 p.m. Thursday, April 25, at Butler Community College’s Grizzly Den, 715 E. 13th St. WSU’s Center for Innovation and Emprise Engagement and Emporia State University’s KSBDC are sponsors for the event.
The event, rescheduled from Feb. 28 because of snow, is open to small business owners and decision makers. Registration is $20 in advance at www.wichita.edu/ksbdc/register or 316-978-3193, or $30 at the door.
The workshop and panel discussion will include topics such as disaster preparedness and recovery, data and documentation protection, business continuity planning, and crisis communication.
Several experts will present.
- Alfred E. Judd, director, Small Business Association (SBA) Disaster Field Operations Center West, Office of Disaster Assistance, United States SBA
- Barry Parker, business community project director, Louisiana Small Business Development Center (LSBDC) State Office
- Carmen Sunda, director, LSBDC Greater New Orleans
- Brian Dennis, consultant, University of Kansas KSBDC, former New Orleans business owner
- Dan Reisig, president and CEO, Concergent
- Greg Panichello, state director, KSBDC network
About Kansas Small Business Development Center
The KSBDC Network is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Kansas Department of Commerce. KSBDC is nationally accredited through the Association of Small Business Development Centers by congressional mandate.
KSBDC receives funding from and partners with higher education and economic development organizations to provide Kansas entrepreneurs with no-cost business consulting and resources for starting, maintaining and growing their businesses. The statewide host for the KSBDC is Fort Hays State University.
For more information on the KSBDC Network, go to www.kansas.gov/ksbdc or call 877-625-7232.