Disaster-proofing purpose and profit

Resilient Ready has been busy putting together its Business Beyond Disasters program for Northern Rivers businesses and not-for-profits.

And while not-for-profits and businesses differ in their main objectives and how they function in some respects, there is plenty to unite them when it comes to running their operations efficiently, legally, and successfully.

Both share an organisational structure run by a group of people focused on achieving a common purpose or goal, which usually includes a board of directors, managers, employees and a system that allows for decision-making, core activities and processes.

Financial health and sustainability are key goals for businesses and not-for-profits, and both need to carefully manage people, money, physical assets and other resources.

And while not-for-profits are, as per their name, not set up to generate profit or gain for the people running them, even an organisation set up for a purpose requires funding. Many not-for-profit organisations engage in fundraising or selling goods and services to generate the money needed to help achieve their goals.

Sounding like a business yet?

As we dig down into some more common ground – legal and regulatory requirements – it is easy to see both are subject to (albeit specific to their areas) laws, regulations, and financial reporting requirements.

Not to mention things like marketing and public relations to reach and engage with stakeholders and customers.

Running any kind of organisation has levels of complexity and governance, shaped by legislation that, while different for each sector, shares some similarities.

So you can see the capabilities and basic skills required to manage not-for-profits and businesses are not so very different!

And that’s where our free Business Beyond Disasters program for all Northern Rivers NSW businesses and non-profits comes in, kicking off in May and running to July 2025.

Delivered by Resilient Ready in collaboration with the NSW Reconstruction Authority, this simple program is designed to help participants plan for disasters, build essential business continuity capabilities and work together to overcome future challenges.

NSW businesses located outside of the Northern Rivers are also welcome to register for one of the five online programs. You can use our guide to select the program that best fits your business.

And if you’re from a different region looking to build capabilities in your business and not-for-profit community take a look at our mini modules and BCR Toolkit solutions.

Resilient Ready is a social enterprise delivering innovative solutions to enable every organisation to thrive before, during and after disasters. To keep updated on news and current projects, sign up to our newsletter.