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Disasters, I know we all hate that word. As humans we gird ourselves and simply say, “It won’t happen to me”. But the data shows that it’s not if it’s going to happen, it’s when is it going to happen.

According to the Small Business Administration (SBA), 40% to 60% of small businesses fail following a major disaster. The number of presidentially declared disasters has more than doubled in recent years. However, many disasters don’t affect a large number of people like these declared events do. In fact, fire is the leading business disaster.

If that is not bad enough, researchers estimate that approximately: half of business do not survive their first 5 years and 8 out of 10 fail within the first 3 years after a disaster.*

Small Businesses have unique challenges that are quite different from their larger counterpart. Since 52 % of businesses are operated from the owner’s home or property their ability to recover is harder simply because they have to focus to two recovery efforts. There is never enough time to get them both done quickly and easily. If their business is in their home, there is no place for the work to continue. The property damage for a small business owner impacts BOTH the family and their business.

While owning a small business may seem like the American Dream, owning a small business has many challenges. But after a disaster the challenges become more profound. There seems to be recurring views of these owners both before and after the disaster.

Here are 7 challenges Small Business Owners face after a disaster:

1. Illusion of Security

2. Nothing could be done to protect against this

3. Complete 360-degree disaster for the individual

4. Self-imposed limits

5. Imprudent use of financial resources

6. Not understanding what is happening to their customer base

7. Assumption everything will get back to normal

Starting a business is a big achievement for many entrepreneurs, but maintaining one is the larger challenge. There are many standard challenges that face every business whether they are large or small. The largest challenge for small business owner is planning.

Small business owners invest a tremendous amount of time, money and resources to make their ventures successful, yet, many owners fail to properly plan and prepare for disaster situations. You can protect your business by identifying the risks associated with natural and man-made disasters, and by creating a plan for action should a disaster strike. By keeping those plans updated, you can help ensure the survival of your business.

When disaster strikes, having a plan and being able to put it into immediate action can mean the difference between staying open to service the needs of your customers and community or shutting down for a few days.

I know, not another plan! Who has time for that?

Resilience is different from preparedness. Where preparedness is something that you do; resilience is something that you become. In becoming more resilient, you as the owner should take intentional action. Do one thing today. (Just one thing). Do you back up your data? No, then get that done. Do you have an emergency contact list for your employees, suppliers, major clients? No, then get that done. Do you review you insurance policy every year with your agent? No, then get that done. Little by little, doing one thing moves you closer.

Home-based businesses are fast becoming one of the best-known alternatives to supplementing a conventional 9-to-5 job. It is also a good reason to leave it. The growth of home-based businesses have been unprecedented, thanks in part to the increasing number of people who recognize its advantages and to new technology that has made running businesses from homes possible. These days, starting a legitimate home-based business is easier and cheaper.

Running a legitimate home-based business

Some of the best home businesses begin with a simple idea. From there, they can grow and become real moneymaking ventures. But whichever type of home-based business you wish to start, make sure it is legitimate. For one, a legitimate business can assure you of trouble-free operations. If you’re doing business within the confines of the law, you are assured of protection and have nothing to worry about. Second, you can hope to keep running your business for a long time to come without worrying that you might be violating laws or regulations.

To make sure your home-based business is legitimate and will keep you out of trouble, here are some important things to consider:

Are you legal?

If you’re starting the business yourself, such as when you turn a hobby, interest or training into a source of income, it’s important that you consider all the legal requirements you will have to comply with.

Your product

First, consider whether the product or service you will be offering is lawful. It’s also important to check if ingredients or raw materials that will be part of the production can be legally imported, exported, obtained or used. If the raw material used for your product is considered illegal or dangerous in your state or country, for example, it could result to getting your products seized or pulled off the market.

To prevent this from happening, always check every aspect of production or implementation involved in your home-based business. Do your research and ask local agencies for guidance so you know that what you are doing is legitimate and correct.

If you will be selling a product for someone else as a distributor or franchisee, do independent research on your own. Ask for complete information and check all claims made by the producer. It will also be a big help if you find reviews regarding the company or product in magazines or websites. This will help you make an educated decision regarding your business.

Tests, studies and government approval

Another important aspect of a legitimate home-based business is approval from the appropriate agencies. If the main objective of your business is manufacture of products that involve health or technology, for example, you might have to show proof that the products truly work. This is usually done by presenting evidence of direct or related tests or studies that corroborate your claims. If you will be selling health supplements, for example, you should be able to prove that your product is safe and effective.

Permits and licenses

To keep your home-based business legitimate, find out first what types of regulations or laws restrict the distribution, production or selling of the product or service that you wish to offer. If you’re considering a franchise or buying an established business, research the necessary information to check if the business is legitimate or not. This will help protect you from making any unintentional violations. The type of business you run and your location will also be a factor. Cities, counties and states have local regulations or zoning requirements that will determine the legitimacy of your home-based business. These regulations are in place so public safety is enforced. If operating your business will mean that public safety will be threatened, you may be legally prevented from continuing.

To keep your home-based business legitimate, check with your local agencies, particularly with those who have jurisdiction over the type of industry you will belong to. For example, if you will be making food products from your home kitchen, you will have to comply with regulations imposed by the health department. If clients and suppliers will be visiting your home for appointments or if you will be putting up signs, you should be able to comply with zoning regulations in your locality.

To keep your home-based business legitimate, always do the initial research first, prior to starting the business or signing up for it. Remember that it’s a lot cheaper to follow rules and implement preventive solutions than to be involved in a lawsuit.

Copyrights and trademarks

Another important consideration to ensure that your home-based business is legitimate is to determine if there are no copyright or trademark infringements. This applies equally whether you own your business, buying an existing one or running a franchise. Infringements can carry a significant fine and will not be helpful for your business. Plus, you could lose your license and the right to operate.