Risk Reduction For Small Business Resilience

Experience shows that 40% of small businesses affected by disaster never reopen; another 25% that do reopen fail. In an effort to reduce this impact to our businesses and our communities, the Risk Reduction for Small Business Resilience in RI project developed tools to support small businesses (less than 50 employees) to better prepare for extreme weather events.

What did this project achieve?

• Identified, assessed, and addressed vulnerabilities of small businesses in Rhode Island.
• Developed Risk Reduction Guides with practical information to help small businesses become more resilient.
• Developed recommendations for municipal and state governments to support business resilience.
• Shared guides with businesses as well as Chambers of Commerce, Trade Associations, municipalities among others.

Printable Guides

Small Business Resilience Project (less than 50 employees)

• Restaurant/Food Guide
• Retail Guide
• Lodging & Accommodations Guide
• Water-Dependent Guide
• Manufacturing Guide
• Service Provider Guide
• Construction Guide
• Real Estate / Property Management Guide

Raffle Winner! To help inform the final guides, a raffle was held to gain feedback from stakeholders in the community on actions that help reduce risks for businesses. Congratulations to Java Madness of South Kingstown for participating and winning the $500 ACE Hardware gift card.

For more information about the small business resiliency guides, please contact Roberta Groch at the RI Division of Statewide Planning: Roberta.Groch@doa.ri.gov or (401) 222-4720.

We will attempt to accommodate requests to speak about the guides and business resiliency at events or meetings. A limited number of printed guides are available upon request.

Resources & Reports

Exposure Analysis Report
Small Business Administration Emergency Preparedness Guide