Free Business Continuity Workshop Series Aims to Strengthen Disaster Preparedness Across Suncoast
A new regional workshop series is being offered to help businesses and nonprofits better prepare for disruptions and disasters through practical business continuity planning.
The program, titled “Beyond the Storm: Business Continuity Planning Made Simple,” is a free, hands-on initiative designed to guide participants through the process of building or updating a continuity plan. The workshops focus on preparing for unexpected disruptions, protecting staff and operations, and meeting requirements often tied to disaster relief funding.
The series begins May 5 in Tampa with a continuity plan activation workshop hosted at the Hillsborough County Emergency Operations Center. Additional in-person sessions will be held throughout June across the region, including workshops in Largo, Bradenton, Arcadia, and Sarasota. A Manatee County session is scheduled for June 10 at the United Way Suncoast Lakewood Ranch location.
Two virtual-only sessions are also planned, offering additional flexibility for participants. These will take place on June 30 and July 15, with registration links provided after sign-up.
Organizers emphasize that disasters can occur without warning, and many organizations are unprepared for the operational and financial impacts. The workshops aim to provide actionable tools and strategies to help organizations respond effectively and recover more quickly.
The initiative is a collaboration between Verizon, United Way Suncoast, and local partners, focusing on strengthening community resilience. The program highlights the importance of breaking the cycle of disaster response followed by recovery, encouraging proactive planning instead.
Registration is available through a QR code provided on event materials, with all sessions offered at no cost to participants.
