Business Preparedness Resource Directory

Trusted resources, practical tools, and educational guides to help Canadian business owners prepare for the unexpected.

Whether you're planning ahead, supporting a loved one, or responding to a sudden illness, incapacity, or death, this directory brings together trusted information, downloadable resources, educational guides, and support services—all in one place.

Our goal is simple: help you find reliable information so you can take the next step with greater confidence and less uncertainty.

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A woman standing facing the camera thinking about if educational guides are available to walk her through some of the most common situations families and business owners face after an unexpected illness, incapacity, or death.

Business Preparedness Guides

Here is a list of trusted organizations and official information to help you manage next steps when someone becomes incapacitated or passes away.

Government & Professional Resources

Image is a sample planning checklist alongside other resources designed to help business owners gather information, organize important records, and begin preparing before an emergency happens.

Downloadable Resources

Image of a cup of tea next to a notebook, pen and glasses. If you or someone you know is navigating the loss of a loved one, these organizations provide counselling, education, and community support.

Grief & Bereavement Support

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Educational Workshops & Speaking

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Blog & Articles

Business Preparedness Guides

Practical guidance when you need it most.

These educational guides walk you through some of the most common situations families and business owners face after an unexpected illness, incapacity, or death. While every situation is unique, these resources can help you understand what to prioritize, what can wait, and where to find additional support.

Available Guides

  1. The First 72 Hours After a Business Owner Passes Away
    A practical guide to the immediate steps families, business partners, and key advisors should consider following the death of a business owner.

  2. The First 72 Hours After a Business Owner Becomes Incapacitated
    Learn how to stabilize business operations, identify decision-makers, and understand the important documents that may be needed when a business owner can no longer manage their affairs.

  3. The First 72 Hours After a Loved One Passes Away
    A compassionate guide to navigating the first few days after losing someone you love, including practical considerations, important documents, and available supports.

  4. The First 72 Hours When a Loved One Becomes Incapacitated
    Understand what to expect when someone suddenly becomes unable to manage their personal or financial affairs and learn where to begin.

Downloadable Resources

Planning tools to help you get organized.

These resources are designed to help business owners gather information, organize important records, and begin preparing before an emergency happens.

Include:

Educational Workshops & Speaking

Business preparedness doesn't have to be overwhelming.

Explore educational workshops, webinars, and speaking topics designed for business owners, professional associations, networking organizations, chambers of commerce, and conferences.

Explore Workshops & Speaking

Blog & Articles

Looking for practical advice?

Browse articles covering topics such as:

  • Business preparedness

  • Business continuity

  • Incapacity planning

  • Succession planning

  • Estate considerations for business owners

  • Risk management

  • Small business operations

  • Family conversations

  • Business documentation

  • Planning before a crisis

Read the Blog

Government & Professional Resources

Trusted organizations and official information.

When you need accurate information, these organizations provide valuable guidance.

Government

Professional Organizations

Grief & Bereavement Support

Preparing for the unexpected isn't only about business.

If you or someone you know is navigating the loss of a loved one, these organizations provide counselling, education, and community support.

Hamilton and Area

  1. Bereaved Families of Ontario
    Website: bfoscr.com
    Email: programming@bfoscr.com
    300 Fennell Ave E #2B, Hamilton, ON L9A 1T2

  2. Journey Home for Empowered Living and Dying
    Website: journeyhomesupport.com 
    Email: contact@journeyhomesupport.com
    104 King St W, Dundas ON L9H 0B4

  3. Kemp Care Network
    Website: kempcarenetwork.org
    Email: support@kemphospice.org
    277 Stone Church Rd E. Hamilton, ON L9B 1B1

  4. Roman Catholic Diocese of Hamilton
    Website: hamiltondiocese.com
    700 King St W, Hamilton, ON L8P 1C7

Burlington and Oakville Area

  1. Carpenter Hospice
    Website: thecarpenterhospice.com
    Email: admin@thecarpenterhospice.com
    2250 Parkway Dr, Burlington, ON L7P 1T1

  2. Acclaim Health Community Support Services
    Website: acclaimhealth.ca
    Email: pblakeley@acclaimhealth.ca
    2370 Speers Rd, Oakville, ON L6L 5M2

  3. Heartache2Hope
    Website: heartache2hope.com
    Email: info@heartache2hope.com
    1155 North Service Rd W Unit 11, Oakville, ON L6M 3E3

  4. Lighthouse Program for Grieving
    Website: lighthousegriefsupport.org
    Email: info@lighthousegriefsupport.org
    2522 Rebecca St, Oakville, ON L6L 6N8

Cambridge and Area

  1. Coping Bereavement Support Groups of Ontario Inc.
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1KXYKxfeyj/?mibextid=wwXIfr
    1740 Blair Rd, Cambridge, ON N3H 4R8

Brantford and Area

  1. St Joseph’s Lifecare Centre Stedman Community Hospice
    Website: sjlc.ca
    Email: stjoesfoundation@sjlc.ca
    445 Grey St, Brantford, ON N3S 6X1

  2. Canadian Mental Health Association
    Website: bhn.cmha.ca
    Email: lill@cmhabhn.ca
    44 King St, Suite 203, Brantford, ON N3T 3C7

  3. Grief Share
    Website: griefshare.org
    Email: info@griefshare.org
    111 Sherwood Dr #8, Brantford, ON N3T 6J9

Looking for Something Specific?

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Important Information

The resources in this directory are provided for educational purposes only and are intended to help you better understand business preparedness and related planning topics.

They do not replace legal, accounting, financial, insurance, tax, healthcare, or other professional advice. Every situation is unique, and requirements may vary depending on your province, business structure, and personal circumstances. Always consult the appropriate qualified professional before making important decisions.