WASHINGTON, D.C. — The American Red Cross is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to help small businesses strengthen their preparedness for disasters and access resources that can support recovery when emergencies strike.

The partnership launches during National Small Business Month, at a time when many small businesses remain underprepared for disasters. A recent national poll by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation found that 69% of small businesses have not made a disaster plan, and only 34% say they know the kinds of disasters common to their region. Nationally, disasters are also becoming more frequent and costly. In 2025 alone, the U.S. experienced 23 separate billion-dollar weather and climate disasters.

Through the partnership, small businesses are encouraged to enroll in the Red Cross Ready Rating program — a free preparedness program offered by the American Red Cross and the Canadian Red Cross. The program helps organizations evaluate their readiness for disasters and other emergencies, and take steps to improve their resilience.

“With severe weather already affecting communities across the country and hurricane season approaching, now is the time for businesses to strengthen their preparedness,” said Kevin Kelley, Senior Director of Community Preparedness Programs at the American Red Cross. “The Ready Rating program gives businesses practical tools to prepare for emergencies so they can protect their people, continue serving their communities, and recover more quickly after disasters.”

In addition to preparedness tools, the collaboration also connects Ready Rating participants with the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s Readiness for Resiliency (R4R) program, which provides $5,000 disaster recovery grants to small businesses impacted by disasters.

U.S.-based small businesses with 500 or fewer employees that complete the Ready Rating online self-assessment are eligible to register for the R4R program and may qualify for a recovery grant if their business is impacted by a disaster.

To register, small business owners can visit the R4R registration page, complete a short form, and indicate they have completed the Ready Rating self-assessment. If a qualifying disaster is declared in their state, registered businesses may receive $5,000 from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to help cover immediate costs and reopen faster.

“While most small businesses think they're prepared for a disaster, very few have actually taken the steps to be ready,” said Rob Glenn, Vice President of Global Resilience at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. “This partnership helps close that gap — giving businesses the tools to plan ahead and access to financial support when they need it most.”

Small businesses are often among the most vulnerable when disasters strike, but preparedness planning can help reduce disruptions and allow businesses to reopen more quickly following emergencies. Businesses can learn more about the Ready Rating program and complete the free self-assessment at ReadyRating.org.To register for R4R, visit this link.

About the American Red Cross: 

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.

About the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation:

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation harnesses the power of business to create solutions for the good of America and the world. We anticipate, develop, and deploy solutions to challenges facing communities—today and tomorrow. 

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