Latoya Hayden-Cousins, Client Relations Manager at JN Bank Small Business Loans
As the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season progresses, micro and small business owners are being urged to take proactive steps to safeguard their operations and strengthen their risk management strategies.
Latoya Hayden-Cousins, Client Relations Manager at JN Bank Small Business Loans, maintained that while small enterprises face a variety of threats, natural disasters remain among the most devastating.
“Hurricanes and flooding, for example, can damage infrastructure and equipment, completely halting operations. In some cases, businesses may be forced to close temporarily or permanently,” she said.
She noted that the impact of these disasters is often significant for micro and small businesses as they sometime lack the resources and contingency plans needed to recover quickly.
“Many of these enterprises are run by one or two people and operate from a single location. If that space is damaged, the business could be forced to shut down indefinitely. For that reason, it’s so important for business owners to take the time to assess their vulnerabilities and put plans in place to protect their business should we get hit by a hurricane,” she advised.
Other risks, she highlighted, include theft, fire, and cyber threats all of which are particularly hard-hitting for small businesses that often lack formal risk management resources. These challenges, while sometimes overlooked, can result in significant financial loss and operational delays if not properly addressed.
Mrs Hayden-Cousins underscored the importance of planning ahead for the long-term survival of micro and small businesses.
“Planning for risks in advance is crucial, because even a brief disruption can threaten the viability of the entire operation. When you plan ahead, you’re protecting your livelihood and your employees,” she stressed.
“Ultimately, proactive planning provides a roadmap to follow when the unexpected happens and that can make all the difference between survival and shutdown.”
She shared practical measures that small business operators can take to prepare for potential disruptions and reduce their vulnerability to hurricane-related damage:
- Creating a Business Continuity Plan to guide operations during and after a disaster
- Protecting important documents and data by storing them in waterproof containers or digitally in the cloud
- Reviewing insurance coverage to ensure it adequately protects the building and equipment
- Securing the premises by investing in storm shutters for windows and glass doors
- Establishing an emergency fund by regularly setting aside a portion of business earnings
- Backing-up customer and supplier information
- Training staff to respond effectively in an emergency
“Taking these steps are not necessarily expensive; however, they do require intention to ensure that the business bounces back quickly.”
Mrs Hayden-Cousins emphasised the importance of building an emergency fund, noting that while it may seem challenging for micro and small business owners operating on tight budgets, it is a crucial financial safety net.
“An emergency fund can help cover essential expenses like payroll and rent in the aftermath of a disruption. It’s what helps keep your doors open when the unexpected happens. The key is to treat your emergency fund like a non-negotiable part of your budget, even if it’s just a few hundred or thousand dollars to begin with. Setting aside even a small percentage of your monthly earnings and depositing it into a separate account that’s not used for daily expenses can make a meaningful difference over time.
“Another approach is to save from seasonal income spikes. For example, if you make more during Christmas or back-to-school season, put a portion of that income aside,” she advised.
According to the latest forecast from Colorado State University, the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, which began on June 1, is expected to be above average, with 17 named storms, 9 hurricanes, and 4 major hurricanes projected. The season ends on November 30.
