How Can Small Businesses Recover After a Disaster?

By: Aries Payne

Disasters can damage or disrupt a business, but with the right tools, recovery is possible. There are several resources businesses can use to bounce back after an emergency, from financial assistance to guides on rebuilding operations and reconnecting with customers.

FEMA Disaster Response & Recovery

FEMA provides updates on ongoing and past disaster declarations and allows eligible affected residents and businesses to apply for assistance.

• Get Assistance After a Disaster
• Tools to Recover

SBA Disaster Assistance

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers eligible businesses, homeowners, renters, and private nonprofit organizations low-interest disaster loans to help recover from declared disasters. They provide four types of disaster loans:

• Economic injury disaster loans (EIDLs)
• Military reservist loans
• Mitigation assistance loans
• Physical damage loans

The SBA also has a guide on disaster preparedness and recovery, as well as a more recent Business Resilience Guide.

SBDC Resources

Our SBDCs also have various resources available for small business owners who need recovery assistance:

• SBDC Business Assessment Checklist - Use this checklist to determine the state of your business following a disaster.
• Business Continuity Planning Webinar - This webinar covers why business continuity plans are important and how to develop, communicate, and implement the plan if disaster strikes.
• SBDC Small Business Resiliency Guide - This comprehensive guide has a section on business recovery, with information on navigating insurance and disaster assistance.

We also recommend contacting your nearest SBDC for additional resources if your business has been affected by a recent disaster.