Business Continuity Plan Sample (Free Example + How to Use It)

A business continuity plan (BCP) sample shows what a completed BCP should look like before you build your own. Instead of starting from scratch, you can review how recovery strategies, communication procedures, and operational dependencies are structured in a practical plan.

This page explains what a BCP sample includes, how to use one properly, and how to turn a basic example into a complete, working solution.

A sample becomes much more useful when it is supported by a threat risk assessment and a clear business impact analysis.

For a broader preparedness reference, Ready.gov also outlines the core elements of business continuity planning.

If you want more than a static example, SHIELD business continuity planning software gives teams a complete, customizable sample plan they can adapt, maintain, and improve over time.

What Does a Business Continuity Plan Sample Include?

A useful business continuity plan sample reflects how an organization actually operates during a disruption. It should include:

• Critical business functions and priorities.
• Recovery time objectives (RTOs) and acceptable downtime.
• Roles and responsibilities during an incident.
• Communication plans for employees, customers, and stakeholders.
• IT recovery procedures and system dependencies.
• Third-party and supplier dependencies.
• Alternate work arrangements (remote or alternate sites).
• Plan testing and maintenance processes.

If these elements are missing, the sample won’t translate into a usable plan.

Sample vs Template

A BCP sample and a BCP template serve different purposes:

1. A sample shows what a finished plan looks like
2. A template provides a structure to complete

Most organizations need both. The sample provides context, while the template is what you use to build your plan.

How to Use a Business Continuity Plan Sample

A sample should guide your approach—not be copied directly.

Use it to:

• Understand how a plan is structured.
• Identify missing components in your current plan.
• Align with recognized best practices.
• Accelerate development without starting from scratch.

Then adapt everything. Your organization’s risks, systems, and priorities are different.

Common Mistakes When Using a BCP Sample

Organizations often misuse BCP samples. Common issues include:

• Treating the sample as a finished plan.
• Leaving generic placeholders unchanged.
• Ignoring organization-specific risks.
• Overcomplicating the document.
• Failing to test or maintain the plan.

A sample is a starting point—not a solution.

From Sample to a Complete BCP

A sample helps you understand structure. A complete plan requires analysis and customization.

A typical 5 step process includes:

1. Perform a Threat Risk Assessment (TRA).
2. Conduct a Business Impact Analysis (BIA).
3. Define recovery strategies and priorities.
4. Document procedures and responsibilities.
5. Test and update the plan regularly.

Build a Business Continuity Plan That Actually Works

Static documents and generic samples don’t hold up during real disruptions.

KingsBridgeBCP SHIELD provides a structured platform to build, manage, and maintain your business continuity plan:

• Pre-built framework aligned to best practices.
• Fully customizable to your organization.
• Integrated BIA and risk assessment components.
• Ongoing updates to keep your plan current.

Business Continuity Plan Sample FAQ

What is a business continuity plan sample?

A BCP sample is an example of a completed or partially completed plan that shows how recovery strategies, roles, and procedures are documented.

What should a business continuity plan include?

It should include critical functions, recovery priorities, communication procedures, IT recovery steps, dependencies, and testing processes.

Is a business continuity plan sample the same as a template?

No. A sample shows the end result. A template is what you fill out.

Can I use a business continuity plan sample for my company?

Yes, but it must be customized. A generic plan will not work during an actual disruption.

Is there a free business continuity plan sample?

Yes, but most free samples are generic. A structured framework is more effective for building a usable plan.