As Winter Storm Fern heads toward the United States this weekend, over 230 million Americans across 34 states are bracing for what meteorologists are calling a potentially historic weather event. For small businesses, the risk extends well beyond the storm’s immediate path.
Even businesses that avoid physical damage may face delivery delays, staffing shortages, utility outages, and sudden drops in customer traffic. Yet despite these risks, U.S. Chamber Foundation research shows that only about 24% of small businesses have a disaster preparedness plan in place.
That means as many as three out of four small businesses may be facing this storm—and future disasters—without a plan.
The Scale of the Threat
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, there are 36.2 million small businesses across the United States. With at least 15 states and Washington, D.C. declaring states of emergency—including Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, New York, Virginia, Maryland, Kentucky, and Missouri—millions of small businesses are directly in Winter Storm Fern's path.
Here's what's at stake in just some of the states expected to be hit by Fern:
- Texas: 3.5 million small businesses
- Georgia: 1.4 million small businesses
- North Carolina: 1.1 million small businesses
- Virginia: 880,000 small businesses
- Tennessee: 741,196 small businesses
- Oklahoma: 395,520 small businesses
- Louisiana: 511,235 small businesses
- Arkansas: 292,728 small businesses
Combined, these states alone represent over 8.8 million small businesses that could face significant disruption from Winter Storm Fern.
What Small Businesses Should Be Preparing For:
1. Prolonged Power Outages
2. Dangerous and Impassable Roads
3. Physical Damage to Property
4. Extended Business Closures
Why Winter Storms Are a Small Business Threat
Winter storms are among the most disruptive disasters for local businesses. Ice and snow can shut down transportation networks, cut off power and internet access, and prevent employees or customers from reaching businesses for days at a time.
For small businesses with limited reserves, even a short disruption can trigger longer-term challenges—missed payroll, unpaid invoices, or permanent closure. Research consistently shows that one in four small businesses never reopen after a major disaster.
Preparedness Changes Outcomes
The difference between disruption and recovery often comes down to preparation. Prepared businesses are more likely to reopen faster, communicate with employees and customers, and access support when it becomes available.
To close this preparedness gap, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation—with support from FedEx—developed the Small Business Readiness for Resiliency (R4R) program.
How R4R Supports Small Businesses
R4R helps small businesses take practical steps before a disaster and access support afterward by offering:
- An emergency preparedness checklist to guide a small business's readiness
- A simple way to register for a $5k grant by confirming they have taken the required preparedness steps
Preparedness for one disaster often strengthens readiness for many others.
The Time to Prepare Is Now
Winter Storm Fern is forecast to impact millions of small businesses across more than a dozen states. With historic ice accumulations, heavy snow, dangerous cold, and the potential for prolonged power outages, the threat is real and immediate.
But preparation makes all the difference. Small businesses that complete the R4R preparedness checklist and register for the program can be eligible to receive a $5,000 grant if a disaster declaration is made in their state.
Act now to stay safe, stay prepared, and stay in business.
