OPERATORS across tourism, hospitality, events and agriculture are among the industries being urged to take part in a series of ‘climate ready’ workshops with the first metropolitan event to take place in Caversham next week.

The Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) is facilitating the forums to give operators insight and tools to prepare for extreme weather events and the adverse impacts they have on business activity.

Businesses in tourism, hospitality and agriculture are sectors often the hardest hit when severe weather strikes, but impacts including building damage, supply chain disruption and staff safety can hit every sector.

The workshops will offer advice for both new and established businesses on how to plan ahead, reduce risk and keep trading during disruptions.

SBDC Commissioner and chief executive officer Saj Abdoolakhan said the sessions are about giving small business owners practical tools they can actually use.

“Extreme weather is becoming more frequent and more disruptive, and small businesses are often the ones feeling it first,” he said.

“This is about helping business owners think ahead - what they can put in place now to protect their business, their staff and their income when something goes wrong.”

Topics will include understanding potential climate impacts for the participant’s region, risk planning specific to their business, emergency preparedness, and ways to minimise downtime after a major weather event.

Each attendee will walk away with a documented climate adaption plan to help protect their business operations, assets and staff.

The program follows a broader push by the state government to support small businesses as they adapt to a changing climate.

The first metropolitan Climate Ready workshop will be held in Caversham on Wednesday, May 6 from 1pm to 5pm at the Caversham Community Centre.

More sessions will be announced across the state soon here.