To ensure she never loses business because of poor internet connection, Kathryn Ratcliffe has created several options through which guests can book a bed at Tilba’s Mountain View Farm.
Southern NSW business owners across 12 LGAs can learn from her, other local case studies and pick up tips on better internet connection by participating in the free Business Community Resilience (BCR) Toolkit pilot program.
Delivered by corporate2community (C2C), a social enterprise committed to building resilience in all businesses (big and small), the 26-module program helps business owners and operators take small steps to build resilience in any size and type of business.
Sign up anytime at grants.corporate2community.com
Southern NSW BCR Toolkit lead Mel Peverill said: ``The fifth module in the 26-part program helps business owners and operators identify and address the importance of internet connection including everyday operations and, of course, a back-up plan.
“It’s not too late to sign up to the free program. Every module has small steps to help you learn how to run or operate your business so it’s more successful and efficient in the good times – and helps you prepare for the next disaster to come.”
Eurobodalla Shire Council economic development and place activation manager Teresa Lever, who is a member of C2C’s Southern NSW BCR Toolkit working group, highlighted the importance of preparing for disruption to reception and internet access.
``We have experienced firsthand the fragility of reception and internet access during disasters, even when the demand on the network spikes during key holiday periods.
``In the weeks leading up to the busy Christmas period, particularly in popular tourist communities like ours, businesses need to prepare themselves now for the inevitable disruptions.’’
Ms Ratcliffe, who is also a work-from-home computer and phone-based consultant to government and transport companies, is a step ahead, ensuring Mountain View Farm guests and customers of her flower production business have several booking options including online platforms, direct email and phone.
``My business could not operate with low or no internet,’’ she said.
``Phone reception here is also poor so I have two telephones – a mobile phone and a landline.’’
Talking of BCR Toolkit Module 5 – Internet Connection (out Tuesday 30 November), Ms Peverill said: ``Poor communications could mean more than lost business, it can also potentially damage your reputation as an efficient business and turn customers elsewhere.’’
The BCR Toolkit helps business owners and operators take small steps towards setting their business up for success by asking two ``yes’’ or ``no’’ questions and providing simple tips.
The free BCR Toolkit pilot program runs until October 2022.
The program is funded via the joint-funded NSW and Commonwealth Government Bushfire Community Recovery and Resilience Fund (BCRRF).
The Business Community Resilience (BCR) Toolkit is a FREE pilot program available to all businesses within the Local Government Areas of: Bega Valley, Cootamundra-Gundagai, Eurobodalla, Goulburn Mulwaree, Greater Hume, Queanbeyan-Palerang, Shoalhaven, Snowy Monaro, Snowy Valleys, Upper Lachlan, Wagga Wagga and Wingecarribee.
Each fortnight a new module is released to help business owners and operators build resilience. Past modules include: 80/20 Rule, 3 Revenue Streams, Supply Chains and Linchpins. Data collected during the BCR Toolkit program is shared with local Working Group representatives including Councils and Business Chambers – to support local learning and future funding outreaches.
Register at grants.corporate2community.com to access the Internet Connection and past modules.
