Experts Say It’s Important to Plan Ahead and Develop a Support Network
Natural disasters, economic shocks, and unforeseen crises can devastate small businesses, such as many operations in the shed industry.
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), 90 percent of companies fail within two years of being struck by a disaster. This impact can be particularly severe in rural communities, where small businesses are often the first to offer services to support the community following a disaster but are also most at risk in terms of the impact on their own ability to continue. These businesses may lack access to the capital, infrastructure, and support systems more readily available in urban centers.
“Not every business has the resources they need to successfully recover from a disaster, but having a mentor can make all the difference between success and failure,” says Bridget Weston, CEO of Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE). “No matter your situation, SCORE is here to help small business owners rebuild after disaster strikes.”
SCORE mentor Bill Ehrlich advises small business owners to plan ahead in case of disaster.
“Many contractors and architects came to me wanting to help those whose homes or businesses were destroyed or damaged in the January 2025 California fires,” he explains. “Owners who thought ahead to store drawings either digitally or offsite were able to proceed quicker with the permit process than others who had to start from scratch. Also, having good original photo documentation assisted with insurance claims.”
FROM DISASTER TO SUCCESS
Rebuilding a business after a disaster is difficult, but not impossible.
“There will be problems flying at you from all directions,” says SCORE client Mark Debner, whose Cedar Rapids, Iowa-based business DPI Quality Custom Finishes was destroyed by flooding. “You will be making quick decisions while under great pressure. Do not beat yourself up if you make a few bad mistakes as you recover.”
Whether it’s hurricanes, wildfires, floods, or supply chain disruptions, small business owners do not have to face disaster recovery alone.
Organizations like SCORE are available to help every step of the way, offering free mentoring support and guidance, which is especially critical in communities where support can be hardest to find.
RESOURCES FOR DISASTER PREP AND RECOVERY
SCORE offers the following examples of what it can provide when a business experiences a disaster:
- Free Mentoring — Connect with experienced business mentors who understand crisis management, financial restructuring and local conditions. Many mentors have first-hand experience navigating disasters.
- SBA Disaster Loans — Low-interest disaster loans are available to help small businesses recover from declared disasters. Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at sba.gov/disaster. A SCORE mentor can assist you through the process.
- Online Resource Hub — SCORE’s Small Business Resilience Hub offers guidance on business continuity planning, information on emergency funding, and checklists to prepare for and recover from various disasters.
- Webinars and Workshops — View SCORE’s live and on-demand small business emergency resources featuring training on topics such as SBA disaster loans, crisis management and cyber security.
Localized Support — SCORE chapters across the country—including those in rural areas—offer tailored support based on regional needs in a time of crisis or natural disaster.
