News

Disasters can disrupt operations with little warning, but preparation can make all the difference.

What we’re doing: With support from Verizon, we’re helping small businesses take proactive steps to reduce their risk through the Readiness for Resiliency (R4R) Mitigation Grant Program. The initiative combines disaster resilience training with funding to help businesses strengthen their preparedness before disaster strikes. 

Why it matters: 94% of small business leaders say they are confident they could fully recover from a disaster or major disruption, but only 31% have a disaster plan in place. 

 

To qualify, businesses must first complete one of two free Disaster Resilience courses through Verizon's Small Business Digital Ready platform:   

• Know Your Hazards, which helps small business owners identify the hazards common to their region and understand what’s at stake if they are unprepared.  

 

• Build Your Business Continuity & Mitigation Plan, which guides small business owners through practical steps to spot their biggest risks, put low-cost safeguards in place, and write a plan for what to do before, during, and after a disaster.  

After completing one of these courses, small businesses can apply for a competitive $5,000 mitigation grant to support a disaster risk reduction project. Applications are open now through Nov. 15 at 11:59 p.m. ET. 

GET STARTED!