Small businesses serve as the economic engine of the U.S. There are 33.2 million small businesses in the country, which account for 99.9% of all U.S. businesses. Yet, these businesses often struggle in the aftermath of disasters and how to prepare for the next one.
Developed in partnership with FedEx, the Readiness for Resiliency Program (R4R) is a multi-year initiative to support small businesses impacted by disasters. The program guides any interested small business in preparing for a disaster, and then offers quick-turn relief funding of $5,000 for those prepared businesses after a federal disaster declaration is made in their region.
To date, the R4R program—with additional support from Allstate—has helped prepare nearly 3,000 businesses for the next disaster and distributed $5,000 grants to 51 businesses across the country. Grantees report using the funds on crucial expenses such as building their customer base, paying employee salaries, and repairing damaged or lost inventory.
- 2,911businesses completed the preparedness checklist
- 19industries
- 50states + DC + 4 territories
- 93%of businesses have fewer than 10 employees
What Our Grantees Are Saying
Use of Grant Funds
Grantees report using funds to cover crucial expenses such as building their customer base, paying employee salaries, and repairing damaged or lost inventory.
Bistro del Mar is a minority-owned small business specializing in food and beverage services in Luquillo, Puerto Rico. Founded in 2019 by Marina Martinez, the business was impacted by Hurricane Fiona resulting in a complete loss in staff, permanent closures, and a reduction in revenue. Marina used the R4R grant to build her customer base through marketing and advertising, as well as covering basic utilities and expenses like rent, water, and electricity.
American Family & Sports Chiropractic Center, Inc., based in Port Orange, Florida, specializes in health care and social assistance. More than 20 years old, the business needed to close temporarily during Hurricane Ian in 2022 and faced a reduction in revenue. As an R4R grant recipient, founder Elizabeth Hennighan was able to rebuild her customer base through marketing and advertising, as well as pay employee salaries with the funding she received.
RJS Unlimited LLC is a minority-owned business specializing in professional, scientific, and technical services in Palo Alto, CA. Founded in 2019 by Rycklon Stephens, the business was impacted by the flooding in California in early 2023, resulting in a reduction of headcount and temporary closures. Rycklon used the R4R grant to build a customer base through marketing and advertising, pay rent, and cover repairs from damage. Rycklon noted the preparedness steps taken prior to the flooding, including gathering essential documents, backing up electronic data offsite, and having a better understanding of business insurance coverage, all improved the odds of reopening.
Read more grantee stories in our latest report.
Disasters Supported by R4R
A Closer Look
Learn more about how the program is helping small businesses prepare for disasters and building more resilient communities in this report.
