"Business Beyond Disasters" Training Program
A training program for business, Business Beyond Disasters, that is being implemented in 2025 the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, is a practical and adaptable model designed to help local businesses recover and build resilience after disasters.
Developed in response to the devastating floods and other compounding crises that affected the region, this program provides structured support to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through tailored workshops, peer learning, and expert guidance.
For other regions facing disasters—such as floods, fires, or economic shocks—this program offers a proven framework for post-disaster economic recovery. It helps communities retain local jobs, support mental well-being among business owners, and promote long-term resilience.
Importantly, the program can be adapted to different local contexts, making it a valuable addition to regional recovery and preparedness strategies.
"We'll help you think different and do different before, during and after disasters."
Resilience Ready Org
business training flier
© Resilient Ready
Key features of the ten week online training program include:
- Business continuity planning: Practical tools and templates to help businesses prepare for, respond to, and recover from disruptions.
- Resilience training: Sessions that build financial, emotional, and strategic resilience, empowering business owners to navigate uncertainty.
- Peer support and networking: A platform for business owners to connect, share experiences, and learn from one another in a supportive environment.
- Locally relevant content: Training is tailored to reflect the specific risks, needs, and assets of the local region, to ensure it is relevant.
The program is tailored to specific sector groups include retail, professional services and education; agriculture and aqua-business; tourism; health care and community services; and construction, trades and manufacturing.
The aim of the program is to support SMEs with practical steps at a time in the disaster recovery process when preparing for future disasters can seem overwhelming.
Specific topics common include:
- essential operations
- operating through disasters
- evacuation triggers
- understanding insurance choices
- financial viability
- disasters can bring opportunities
- competitor collaborations
- and depending on the sector, biosecurity or supply chains.
REGISTER: NSW businesses located outside of the Northern Rivers are also welcome to register for one of the five online program streams.
NSW businesses located outside of the Northern Rivers are also welcome to register for one of the five online program streams.
To cite:
This case study was prepared by NCCARF. Please cite as: NCCARF, 2025: Business resilience beyond diasters; a model for regional recovery. Case study for CoastAdapt, National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility, Griffith University, Gold Coast.