The Resilience Advantage New Guide Helps Small Businesses Prepare for Climate Shocks

Practical playbook equips entrepreneurs and economic leaders with practical tools to survive floods, heat, wildfires, and more.

CHICAGO, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As extreme weather events disrupt commerce across the U.S., a new guide launching during Climate Week New York and in honor of National Preparedness Month is putting small businesses—and the communities that rely on them—at the forefront of climate resilience. The Resilience Advantage: A Small-Business Guide to Preparing for Floods, Heatwaves, Wildfires, and Other Climate Disasters, co-authored by Joyce Coffee and Robert Macnee, PhD, translates decades of field experience into practical tools for survival and growth.

"Resilience is no longer optional—it's foundational," said Coffee, who has advised federal, state and local governments, companies, philanthropies and nonprofits on climate risk and resilience. "Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, but they often lack access to the resources needed to withstand climate shocks. Nearly 40% of small businesses never reopen after a disaster This book helps close that gap," notes Macnee.

Designed with busy entrepreneurs in mind, the 12-chapter guide includes:

• Clear overviews of key hazards like flooding, heat, and wildfire
• Practical checklists to reduce risks to property, operations, and finance
• Case studies, scenarios, and tools for recovery and relocation
• A dedicated chapter offering guidance for large businesses on supporting small business resilience
• First-of-its-kind generative AI prompts for small business resilience planning

The Resilience Advantage also speaks to a broader audience: economic development officials, city leaders, chambers of commerce, and philanthropic funders—all of whom play critical roles in strengthening the economic fabric of their communities.

"Almost every U.S. county has experienced a federally declared disaster in the past decade," said Coffee. "And with federal safety nets shrinking, the burden of preparedness is shifting. That's why CRC is committed to helping small businesses—and the institutions that serve them—prepare, adapt, and lead."

"The Resilience Advantage aligns with growing demand for tools that turn climate science into local action" notes Macnee.

Availability:
The book is available now in English and Spanish.  

ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Joyce Coffee is the founder and president of Climate Resilience Consulting and a national leader in adaptation implementation, resilience practice, disaster preparedness, and equitable relocation.
Robert Macnee, PhD is deputy director of Climate Resilience Consulting and a specialist in climate impacts and economic development.

PRESS CONTACT:
Joyce Coffee
[email protected]
312 894 9028
www.climateresilienceconsulting.com

SOURCE Climate Resilience Consulting