This manual was developed in response to the urgent needs identified in a comprehensive gap analysis conducted in the aftermath of the February 6, 2023 earthquakes. The research focused on micro and small enterprises (MSEs) owned by women entrepreneurs in Kahramanmaraş and revealed significant vulnerabilities in business continuity, risk management, and disaster preparedness. Based on the data and recommendations gathered through fieldwork, the guide aims to provide a practical roadmap to help MSEs enterprises strengthen their resilience to crises and enhance their sustainability across Türkiye.

Going beyond a conventional manual, the guide translates the evidence-based findings from the gap analysis into practible strategies for business owners, professional associations, and local institutions. It offers self-assessment tools, good practice examples, and adaptable business models to support enterprises in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from disasters. By equipping especially women-led micro and small businesses with the capacity to say, “We already have a plan for this,” the guide seeks to contribute to the development of resilient communities and bolster Türkiye’s socio-economic stability and disaster preparedness capacity.