Город Гонолулу запустил программу поддержки малого бизнеса Stay Open Oahu для подготовки к чрезвычайным ситуациям

HONOLULU (Island News) -- The City and County of Honolulu launched a small businesses preparedness program called Stay Open Oahu to provide small businesses with a set of resources to use in time of emergencies. Stay Open Oahu, which expands the Oahu Business Connector (OBC), will provide practical, accessible support and resources at every stage of a disruption. These tools include: - An online resource hub connecting businesses with preparedness and mitigation information, nonprofit organizations and government resources. - A Business Disaster Preparedness Guidebook with easy-to-use tools and step-by-step guidance to develop a business resilience plan. - Free in-person workshops offering hands-on assistance to help business owners develop preparedness and continuity plans. - Access to a trusted network of community partners and city resources before, during and after emergencies. A short disruption can bring lasting consequences to Oahu’s small businesses which many operate with limited staff, time and resources. The city said small businesses are the backbone of Oahu’s economy; being that they create local jobs, help sustain communities islandwide and provide essential goods and services. The Kons Low storms in March and Hurricane Lala earlier in August have shown how quickly severe weather can threaten businesses and communities across Oahu. Part of Stay Open Oahu includes a series of free workshops across the island to guide business owners through the preparedness planning process. Small business owners, managers and other decision-makers can register online for the following sessions: - Leeward Oahu: Thursday, Sept. 3, 9 to 11 a.m. - Windward Oahu: Wednesday, Sept. 9, 9 to 11 a.m. - Virtual: Wednesday, Sept. 9, 3 to 5 p.m. - Honolulu: Thursday, Sept. 10, 2 to 4 p.m. - Central Oahu: Wednesday, Sept. 23, 9 to 11 a.m. - North Shore: Tuesday, Sept. 29, 1 to 3 p.m. “Over the past several years, we have seen firsthand how quickly a major storm or other emergency can disrupt our communities and our economy,” said Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “Our small businesses are incredibly important to Oahu, and we want to make sure they have the information, tools and support they need before an emergency happens. Stay Open Oahu is about being prepared, protecting livelihoods and helping our businesses and communities become more resilient.” Sign up for the OBC newsletter by visiting oahubusinessconnector.org/newsletter. For more information on this program, contact [email protected].