Practical Business Growth Strategies for Small Businesses
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How to be a part of sustainable change in the So-Cal business community.
Small Business Integrity Initiative
As a small business, you can thrive by preparing for and adapting to unexpected challenges, whether it’s a natural disaster, economic downturn, or supply chain disruption.
Benefits of resilience and readiness for your business.
Minimize downtime and financial losses during disruptions.
Recover faster from unforeseen events.
Build trust with customers and partners who value reliability & preparedness.
What does “resilience” mean for businesses?
Business resilience is your company’s ability to adapt, recover, and keep operating when faced with challenges. It’s about more than just surviving a crisis. It’s about bouncing back stronger and being ready for whatever comes next.
Resilience involves planning for risks, creating backup strategies, and making sure your team knows what to do when the unexpected happens. This could mean having emergency plans in place, diversifying suppliers, or investing in technology that helps you stay connected and operational during disruptions.
Why business resilience matters now.
- Natural disasters, cyberattacks, and economic shifts are happening more frequently.
- Customers and partners are looking for businesses they can count on, even in tough times.
- Regulations and insurance requirements may increasingly demand continuity planning.
Preparing for disruption isn’t just smart. It’s essential for staying open, competitive, and relevant.
Resilient businesses are better equipped to survive and recover from disasters, both natural and economic.
Something to think about:
A company with a solid backup plan for data and remote work can keep serving customers even if its main office is inaccessible after an earthquake.
Similarly, a business that maintains diverse suppliers is less likely to face shortages if one source is disrupted, as seen during the 2020 COVID outbreak.
Simple ideas for improving environmental friendliness.
Assess Your Risks
Identify the most likely threats to your business and prioritize your planning.
Diversify Suppliers
Work with multiple suppliers to avoid single points of failure.
Train Your Team
Hold regular drills and training sessions so everyone knows what to do during an emergency.
Create a Continuity Plan
Outline how you’ll keep operating during different types of disruptions.
Back Up Your Data
Use cloud storage and regular backups to protect your business information.
Strengthen Your Network
Partner with other local businesses and organizations for mutual support during tough times.
Tools available to California businesses.
Tools to help you assess your current resilience:
- Get started with the Ready Business Toolkit
- Conduct a risk assessment using the FEMA Business Impact Analysis Tool
- Evaluate your preparedness and create a continuity plan with SBA’s Emergency Preparedness Resources
Resources to help you plan and recover:
- Access recovery resources through the California Office of Emergency Services
- Find a practical framework to help your business identify weather risks, plan for disruptions, and strengthen your recovery strategies. Surviving the Storms report
Funding opportunities are available to help your business build resilience.
These programs help businesses prepare for, respond to, and recover from disruptions—while maintaining operations and protecting jobs.
GO ZERO Small Business Incentive Program (South Coast AQMD)
The program offers rebates to qualifying small businesses and not‑for‑profit training centers, presenting an opportunity to upgrade to efficient zero NOx heat pump water heaters, reduce costs and emissions, and strengthen resilience within South Coast AQMD communities.
SBA Disaster Assistance Loans
The Small Business Administration offers low-interest loans to help businesses recover from declared disasters, covering repairs, equipment, and working capital.
Main Street Climate Resiliency Toolbox
The Main Street Goes Green Accelerator is a program designed to help small businesses adopt environmentally sustainable practices by providing resources, tools, and partnerships to support their transition to green initiatives.
California Green Business Network
Become a certified green business in California—save resources, gain recognition, and make a positive impact in your community.
Climate Success Stories in Action
GreenScape (San Bernardino, CA)
GreenScape is strengthening the community while transforming urban landscapes in San Bernardino through innovative community gardening projects that promote sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Since its inception, GreenScape has:
Established over 12 acres of community gardens across various neighborhoods, producing 20,000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables annually.
Reduced food insecurity in the surrounding communities by 25%, while improving air quality with a 15% decrease in pollution in areas with gardens.
Secured a $1.2 million contract to revamp and maintain public parks and green spaces, creating local jobs and enhancing community well-being.
Source: Nucamp
City of Riverside and the California Green Business Initiative
The City of Riverside, working with the California Green Business Network, has enabled thousands of small businesses to adopt eco-friendly practices, cut costs, and support Riverside County’s climate change goals.
Through this collaboration:
Over 4,000 businesses have conserved resources, saving more than 742 million gallons of water and reducing energy usage.
Businesses receive individualized support to implement measures such as waste reduction, greenhouse gas emission reductions, and energy efficiency upgrades at no personal cost.
Certified green businesses gain public recognition for their efforts, including promotional materials to showcase their sustainability achievements.
Source: Highlander
Microenterprise Collaborative’s role in advancing small business resiliency.
Our commitment to local small businesses and entrepreneurs includes:
- Help entrepreneurs adapt to disruptions like climate change, disasters, or economic shifts.
- Promote sustainable practices, resource efficiency, and disaster readiness.
- Offer tools, training, and tailored support to reduce costs and strengthen operations.
- Connect business owners with resource partners and government programs for a more informed, resilient community.
Get recognized as a resilient business.
SME Climate Hub Action Courses
Participate in initiatives such as the SME Climate Hub and enroll in their online action courses to demonstrate your dedication to sustainability. Engaging in climate action through these courses allows businesses to unlock new opportunities and enhance their resilience for the future.
Get Certified
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