Dear Mobile Chamber Members,

In Mobile, we know a thing or two about storms – both literal and economic. From hurricanes to supply chain disruptions, unexpected challenges can test the strength of any business. With the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season beginning this Sunday, June 1st, the need for preparation is more urgent than ever.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has forecasted an above-normal hurricane season for 2025, predicting 13 to 19 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), with 6 to 10 expected to strengthen into hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 3 to 5 potentially reaching major hurricane status (Category 3 or higher with winds of 111 mph or higher).

Why it matters: Given our location, these predictions underscore why programs like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Readiness for Resiliency initiative are so important. They don’t just respond to disaster; they prepare for it.

Building Resilience for Your Small Business

The program, which is designed specifically for small businesses with 500 or fewer employees, provides comprehensive guidance on business continuity planning, risk assessment, and disaster preparation specifically tailored for small businesses. By participating, Mobile Chamber members can access toolkits, workshops, and expert advice designed to strengthen your operational resilience.

There is a three-step process to enhance disaster preparedness, and once the steps are completed, businesses become eligible for grants when a U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual Assistance declaration is made in their county.

• Complete the Preparedness Checklist
  Download the FedEx and American Red Cross Emergency Preparedness Checklist for Small Businesses. Ensure you have completed an Emergency Action Plan as outlined in the checklist.
• Register Your Business
  To stay informed about the grant application process in case of a disaster in your county, register your business in the program database. This ensures you receive timely notifications when a disaster occurs, and FEMA declares Individual Assistance.
• Eligibility for Grants
  Once a federal disaster declaration is made, businesses located in that region that have registered for R4R will be given an opportunity to receive a $5,000 grant. These grants can be crucial in helping businesses recover quickly from disasters.

This microgrant assistance for small businesses can make a real difference in keeping operations going during uncertain times. These funds have been used for essential expenses such as building customer bases, paying employee salaries and repairing damaged or lost inventory.

Other key benefits of the program include:

• Customized business continuity planning templates
• Risk assessment tools to identify vulnerabilities
• Disaster recovery checklists and protocols
• Financial preparedness resources
• Access to a network of resilience experts

The bottom line: Mobile businesses understand the importance of hurricane preparedness, but comprehensive resilience extends far beyond weather events. This program helps fortify your business against all potential disruptions – from cyberattacks to supply chain interruptions to economic downturns.

I encourage you to explore these resources at the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s website and consider participating. If the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that preparation matters and with an active hurricane season ahead, there’s no time like the present to get ready.

To learn more about the program or begin your own readiness plan, visit the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation website.

Until next week,

Bradley