Small Business Readiness for Resiliency Program

Grant AMOUNT (UP TO):

$5,000

DETAILS:

Grants of $5,000 to USA and territories businesses to prepare for and recover from natural disasters. The purpose of the program is to enhance disaster preparedness ahead of an expected increase in the frequency and severity of natural disasters and to help businesses stay open following a FEMA disaster declaration.

ELIGIBILITY:

To be eligible to receive a grant from the Small Business Readiness for Resiliency Program (the “Grant Program”), an Applicant (or their business) must:

  • Be a business that has fewer than 500 employees.

  • Have at least one physical or online business location within the United States or its territories (Puerto Rico, Guam, Northern Marianas, US Virgin Islands, America Samoa)

  • Self-certify that the business has reviewed the Emergency Preparedness Checklist for Small Businesses and has created an Action Plan

  • Not be part of a franchise brand with more than twenty-five (25) corporate-owned stores, or more than two hundred and fifty (250) stores in total.

  • Not be in an ineligible business category;

  • To receive a grant, have its principal physical location in a county that receives a major disaster declaration and qualifies for Individual Assistance

  • To receive a grant, have a valid employee identification number (EIN);

  • To receive a grant, have been financially harmed by a disaster and incur an uncovered loss;

  • Agree to all the Grant Program Rules.

Ineligible Business Categories:

  • Any government agency, public administration, political organization, or non-profit of any type

  • Businesses engaged in any illegal activity;

  • Direct Sellers;

  • Any business that is primarily in the business of manufacturing, promoting or selling diet aids, cannabis, gambling, tobacco (including tobacco-related equipment, such as e-cigarettes), firearms or other weapons;

  • Private clubs and businesses which limit the number of memberships for reasons other than capacity;

  • Businesses principally engaged in teaching, instructing, counseling or indoctrinating religion or religious beliefs, whether in a religious or secular setting;

  • Businesses which derive directly or indirectly more than de minimis gross revenue through the sale of products or services, or the presentation of any depictions or displays, of a sexual nature;

  • Businesses owned by employees, officers and directors of USCCF, FedEx, or any current funder of the Grant Program, or any affiliated entities, and their respective immediate families (parents, spouse, children, siblings) or individuals residing in their household (whether or not related).

  • Entities listed on the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Sanctions List.

NOTES:

Application Process:

Step 1: Complete the Preparedness Checklist

Download FedEx’s Emergency Preparedness Checklist for Small Businesses, and make sure you have completed an Emergency Action Plan as outlined in the checklist.

Step 2: Register Your Business

Register your business in the program database by completing this registration form. This ensures that if a disaster strikes your county, we are able to contact you to make you aware of the grant application process. See link in Contact Information below.

Step 3: Apply for Eligibility

If a disaster strikes your community and your community receives a FEMA Individual Assistance declaration, registered local small businesses will be contacted by the R4R team with notice that grant applications are being accepted.

Step 4: Grants Awarded (based on eligibility)

FAQs: https://www.uschamberfoundation.org/small-business-readiness-resiliency-program/faqs

Additional Resources: https://www.uschamberfoundation.org/community-resilience-and-disaster-response

Terms and Conditions: https://www.uschamberfoundation.org/node/58775

DEADLINE:

  • Ongoing

GeneralKelsey Curfman