Business continuity runbook template for a one-person business

A free spreadsheet that tells a stand-in what your business runs on, when things renew and what to do first, so customers are still served if you can't work. It records locations and steps, never the passwords.

Updated Oct 22, 2026By CodeYaz
FREE TEMPLATE
business-continuity-runbook-template.csv

Free to download. Opens in Excel and Google Sheets.

Download the CSVCSV · 3 KB
Read this first: never write a password in this fileDo not type passwords, recovery codes, API keys, SSH keys or card numbers into this spreadsheet, an email or a shared drive. This template records only where things are, when they renew and what your stand-in should do first.

What this template is for

If you run a one-person business and you can't work for a few weeks, someone has to keep customers served: answer clients, keep the website online, and make sure nothing important lapses.

The SBA's recovery planning guidance says a business continuity plan should identify and document critical business functions and processes. This spreadsheet is that list for a business of one, with a column for the person you trust to step in. For what your family needs after a death, see our digital estate checklist for solo founders.

The columns

Column What to write
Section Money, Infrastructure, Domains, Clients, Tax dates or Legal.
Item A short label, such as "Business checking" or "example.com".
Provider or where it is The bank, host, registrar or service, or where the document is kept.
What it does for the business One line, so a stand-in knows why it matters.
Account email or username The email or username the account is registered under. Never the password.
Where the login is kept The location only, such as the name of your password manager. Never the password.
Renewal or due date Domain renewals, billing dates, invoice dates, tax payment periods.
What breaks if it stops What a customer or you would notice first.
First steps for my stand-in Plain steps, in order. Start with what not to do.
Give to my stand-in? Yes or No. Your stand-in should get only the business rows they need.
Who to contact Your accountant, attorney, a trusted peer, or the provider's official support page.
Last checked The date you last confirmed the row is accurate.

How to use it

  1. Download the CSV and open it in Excel or Google Sheets. Delete the example rows when you start; they are fictional.
  2. Add one row per thing your business runs on, including every domain and every platform that pays you.
  3. Fill in renewal and due dates. ICANN's Expired Registration Recovery Policy requires registrars of generic domains to send renewal reminders approximately one month and approximately one week before expiration. Note which inbox they go to, and make sure it is one that will still work if the domain lapses.
  4. Add tax dates. The IRS says that if you are in business for yourself, you generally need to make estimated tax payments, and that the year is divided into four payment periods. Your accountant can give you the dates.
  5. Mark the rows your stand-in gets, and keep personal and estate matters for your family and attorney.
  6. Review it yearly and whenever you add a client, a domain or a service, then update "Last checked".

Limits

  • This is not a will or a power of attorney. It tells someone where things are. It does not give anyone legal authority to act for you or your business. The CFPB's guide for agents notes that an agent's authority under a power of attorney ends when the person dies, so the two situations need separate planning.
  • A stand-in is not a signer. Pausing a subscription or answering a client is different from moving money. Ask your bank and an attorney what your stand-in may legally do.
  • Registered agent. The SBA says an LLC, corporation, partnership or nonprofit corporation needs a registered agent, who receives official papers and legal documents for the company. Keep that row current so legal mail is not missed.

Note: This template is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Business, tax and estate rules vary by state. Talk to an attorney licensed in your state and an accountant about your situation.

SOURCES

  1. SBA — Manage your business: Prepare for emergencies (recovery planning, cybersecurity) · accessed Oct 22, 2026
  2. SBA — Launch your business: Register your business (registered agent) · accessed Oct 22, 2026
  3. ICANN — Expired Registration Recovery Policy · accessed Oct 22, 2026
  4. IRS — Estimated taxes · accessed Oct 22, 2026
  5. CFPB — Managing Someone Else's Money: Help for agents under a power of attorney · accessed Oct 22, 2026