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Winter Storm Preparedness & Potential $5,000 Support for Small Businesses
Potential $5,000 Support for Small Businesses
The U.S. Chamber Foundation is encouraging small businesses to take preparedness steps now and learn about a program that may provide up to $5,000 in financial support following a disaster declaration.
Winter Weather Risks to Business Operations
Winter storms can disrupt small businesses in several ways, including:
- Power outages
- Delivery and supply chain delays
- Staffing challenges
- Reduced customer traffic
- Safety concerns for employees and customers
Even short-term interruptions can create financial strain for small businesses.
Small Business Readiness for Resiliency (R4R) Program
The Chamber Foundation’s Small Business Readiness for Resiliency (R4R) program helps businesses prepare in advance and positions them to access support after a disaster. Program components include:
- Emergency Preparedness Checklist
- Businesses complete a checklist covering key planning steps such as backing up important data, maintaining emergency contacts, and having communication and continuity plans in place.
- Business Registration
- After completing the checklist, businesses take a short eligibility quiz and register in the R4R system.
- Potential $5,000 Grant
- If a state emergency order or disaster declaration is issued and a registered business meets program requirements, R4R may provide a $5,000 recovery grant to help offset disaster-related losses.
General Eligibility Guidelines
Businesses must:
- Have 500 or fewer employees
- Have a valid Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- Operate a physical or online business in the U.S.
- Complete the preparedness checklist before the disaster declaration
- Demonstrate at least $5,000 in economic or physical losses related to the event
(Exact criteria and funding availability are determined by the program.)
Why Take Action Now
Completing basic preparedness steps helps reduce operational risk during winter weather and ensures your business is positioned to access assistance if conditions lead to a formal disaster declaration in Tennessee or Virginia.
[For More Information Visit the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Website]
