Business as usual? Small business responses to compound disasters in coastal New York city and New Jersey

Small businesses serve critical functions in community disaster recovery, providing essential goods and services, employment, and gathering spaces during times of crisis. However, many small businesses face escalating threats to their continued operation as they confront compound disasters. These critical functions and growing risks are especially evident among food-related small businesses, which provide vital goods and services to local communities during and after extreme events, yet are also highly vulnerable to disruption of business operations. This study examines how food-related small businesses experience compound disasters, how they cope with and prepare for disruptions, and the barriers they encounter in building resilience. Focusing on coastal communities in New York City and New Jersey, we conducted surveys of food-related small business owners and managers and in-depth interviews with business owners, government officials, business industry representatives, and other stakeholders. Our findings suggest that small businesses in the region are responding to recent compound disasters including COVID-19, associated economic challenges, and climatic shocks, through four key approaches: diversifying business operations; fostering networks with other local businesses and surrounding communities; expanding adoption of web-based technology; and emphasizing self-help. While these approaches have the potential to contribute to resilience to future compound shocks and stressors, they also highlight some of the challenges small businesses face in responding to an increasingly varied array of threats, including limited availability of and access to financial and technical support. Our findings highlight a need for more attention to the concerns and contributions of small businesses in community resilience planning.