What if you don’t show up at the office tomorrow?

You are both a family person and an entrepreneur—the driving force behind your company. You know your clients, your employees, and your processes. But what happens if tomorrow you suddenly don’t show up at the office? Perhaps you become the victim of a serious traffic accident and spend months in intensive care. Or you suffer a stroke, face a long recovery, and never fully regain your health. Maybe you finally take that long-awaited adventurous trip to South America, only to vanish without a trace during what seemed like a simple jungle trek but turns out to be far more dangerous.

The question is: what would this mean for your family—and for your business? Do you know who would step in to take the lead? More importantly, who knows what needs to be done, what role your family can play, and who is formally authorized to make decisions about your business, contracts, and assets? In short: do you already have a Plan B to safeguard the continuity of your company from a legal perspective?

You can’t prevent it, but you can prepare

The scenarios above may sound extreme, but they are not unthinkable. Perhaps you yourself took over the business from your parents at a young age, after an unexpected death. Or maybe you know a fellow entrepreneur who has faced such a situation. Chances are you’ve thought about it before—and promised yourself you would arrange things better.

The reality? Most entrepreneurs only act when confronted with such events. Good intentions fade in the rush of daily business. And that’s when the real risks emerge. Without proper legal arrangements, you may face:

• Blocked bank accounts, because no one is authorized to make payments.

• Delays in contracts and deliveries, because no valid signature can be provided.

• Family conflicts, as heirs disagree on the future of the business.

• Tax complications, if there is insufficient liquidity to pay inheritance tax.

When you step away, even temporarily, more than just a person disappears. Knowledge is lost. Leadership. Partnership. Trust. And, just as critical: formal authority. Without a clear legal structure, your company is immediately under pressure.

Why a Plan B Matters

Thinking about these scenarios is uncomfortable, but postponing it creates even greater risks. A Plan B for entrepreneurs is not only about documents and signatures—it is about securing continuity, protecting your family, and ensuring that your employees and clients can rely on your business, even in times of uncertainty.

By preparing in advance, you create clarity. You avoid financial and legal obstacles. And you give your loved ones peace of mind, knowing they won’t have to make impossible decisions under pressure.

How to start building your plan B

The first step is simple: map out where your sudden absence would cause problems. Consider:

• Who has the knowledge and authority to step in?

• What processes or financial flows would immediately stall?

• Which family members or business partners should be formally involved?

• How can you legally structure power of attorney and succession?

If you find this difficult, don’t hesitate to reach out to sparring partners—your family, close friends, and trusted advisors. By brainstorming together, you make risks visible and solutions tangible. Slowly but surely, your Plan B takes shape.

Practical Checklist

✅ Review your current legal structure and check for gaps in decision-making authority.
✅ Assign a power of attorney who can act on your behalf.
✅ Document succession plans for both short-term and long-term absence.
✅ Ensure liquidity planning to cover inheritance tax and unexpected costs.
✅ Communicate your plan with your family and key stakeholders.

Take control of tomorrow, today

You cannot prevent every scenario, but you can prepare for them. A well-thought-out Plan B for entrepreneurs helps you stay in control, even when you’re not there. It offers guidance for your family, security for your employees, and stability for your business.

At Bol International, we help entrepreneurs like you secure continuity with smart solutions that combine:

• Corporate Structuring → ensuring the right legal framework, powers of attorney, and governance.

• International Tax & Inheritance Tax Planning → protecting your company against tax risks and securing liquidity for the future.

• Audit & Assurance → mapping out risks and strengthening business continuity.

• Family Business Advisory → providing personal guidance in succession planning and safeguarding family interests.

Ready to discuss your own Plan B? Contact our Corporate Structuring and International Tax specialists today and let’s build the foundation for your business continuity.