About Us

Strong businesses help build communities that can withstand disruption.

Kansas communities depend on local businesses and organizations every day. They provide jobs, essential goods and services, trusted information, gathering places, and support for the people who live there. When disasters or unexpected disruptions occur, their ability to adapt and continue operating becomes even more important. 

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Kansas has more than 273,000 small businesses, representing 99.1% of all businesses in the state and employing nearly 600,000 Kansans. Their ability to prepare, adapt, and recover directly affects the communities around them.  

The Business Readiness Initiative of Kansas (BRIK) was created to help organizations prepare and engage with confidence. 

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As an initiative of the Wichita State University Community Engagement Institute, BRIK brings together years of experience in emergency preparedness, public health, disaster recovery, and community resilience. Team members have worked alongside businesses, nonprofit organizations, emergency managers, public agencies, and community leaders across Kansas, supporting communities through events such as: the Greensburg tornado, the H1N1 response, measles outbreaks, COVID-19, and other major emergencies. 

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Those experiences taught us an important lesson: organizations want to be prepared, but they need practical guidance that fits their day-to-day operations, not complicated plans that sit on a shelf. They need a connection to know they are not alone, and they need partners to engage and learn from one another. 

That's why BRIK focuses on real-world solutions. We help businesses and organizations identify risks, strengthen continuity plans, build partnerships, and prepare for the disruptions most likely to affect their people and operations. We also work with local governments, chambers of commerce, and community partners to strengthen collaboration before emergencies happen. 

Downtown street corner with brick buildings, signs reading "Welcome Dodge City" and "Visit Enigma"; stop sign, parked cars, trees, and bushes.

Our approach is simple: preparedness should be practical, collaborative, and tailored to your organization and community. 

We believe community resilience begins with the readiness of the people and organizations within it. When local businesses and nonprofits can continue operating, recover more quickly, and support one another, the entire community is stronger.

Building Community Resilience

At BRIK, we're committed to helping Kansas organizations build resilience, strengthen partnerships, and prepare for whatever comes next. 

Ready to strengthen your organization's resilience? Whether you're just getting started or looking to enhance your preparedness efforts, BRIK is here to help. Explore our services or connect with our team to start building your organization's readiness today! 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Business Readiness Initiative of Kansas (BRIK) is a statewide resource that helps Kansas businesses and nonprofit organizations prepare for emergencies, disruptions, and disasters. BRIK provides practical tools, guidance, and connections to help organizations protect their staff, continue operations, and support community resilience.

  • BRIK offers a mix of free resources and fee-based services based on the level of support your organization needs. This includes templates and checklists, expert consultation, emergency and continuity planning support, plan testing exercises, training, and connections to relevant partner organizations. Whether you want to start on your own, work with an expert, or build a more customized preparedness program, BRIK can help you take the next step.

  • BRIK is designed for small and medium-sized businesses and nonprofit organizations across Kansas. While resources are available statewide, the initiative places special emphasis on supporting rural communities and organizations that may not have dedicated emergency planning staff or internal preparedness resources.

  • BRIK helps your organization prepare before an emergency happens. Whether you are starting from scratch or improving an existing plan, BRIK can help you identify risks, organize key information, create practical response plans, strengthen continuity planning, and connect with local emergency preparedness efforts.

  • Many BRIK resources are available at no cost, including select templates, tools, and educational materials. Some services, such as consultations, training, plan reviews, or customized planning support, may be fee-based depending on the level of assistance your organization needs.‍‍ ‍

  • You can start by exploring BRIK’s free planning tools and resources. If you need additional guidance, you can request support, schedule a consultation, or connect with the BRIK team to determine which services best fit your organization’s needs.

Get Started.

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People standing on the sidewalk in front of a building with a sign that reads 'Cruise on Route 66,' red awnings, parked trucks and cars, and a large mural of a Route 66 sign on a neighboring building.
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A storefront with a neon 'Open' sign, glass doors, and windows displaying various items inside. A young person with a skateboard walks past in front of the shop. To the left, there is an antique store with a window showcasing clothing and a sign that says 'Antiques'. To the right, another shop with a menu board and a small outdoor table. The sidewalk is paved with red bricks, and there are black posts along the street.
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