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Natural disastersfrom tornadoes across the South and Midwest, to the fires in Los Angeles to Hurricane Helenes devastation in North Carolinahave upended communities, with small businesses among the hardest hit. As extreme weather events become more frequent, these businesses have emerged as vital anchors of community recovery. While urban enterprises navigate complex rebuilding amid dense infrastructure, rural businesses face distinct challenges in disaster response. Yet across geographies, small businesses play a critical role in stabilizing and revitalizing their communities after catastrophe. Rural small businesses, in particular, serve a dual role: Theyre not just economic drivers but also informal safety nets, stepping in to rebuild communities long before larger relief efforts arrive and continuing their work well after national attention fades. The resilience of these businessesand the communities they supportis being tested like never before. Systemic barriers, most notably access to capital, exacerbate their struggles, threatening their survival and the economic stability of their regions. The first responders of local economies When Hurricane Helene swept across the Southeast, it left behind destroyed homes and displaced families, in many cases causing severe damage to already distressed and underfunded communities. Small businesses were among the first to join the front lines, providing critical supplies and services. Across impacted zones, local service providers pivoted quickly, transforming their operations into vital relief centers. Neighborhood establishments became distribution hubs while entrepreneurs converted storefronts into community aid stations. This grassroots network of support reached residents in critical early days, delivering essential resources before larger relief efforts could fully mobilize. While these actions highlight the essential role of small businesses in post-disaster recovery, they also reveal a stark reality: These businesses cannot, and should not, shoulder the burden of recovery alone. As they pour resources into helping their communities, they face significant hurdles in rebuilding their own operationsa challenge compounded by systemic imbalances in capital access. Rural businesses face a persistent capital deficit, leaving them uniquely vulnerable to the compounding effects of natural disasters. In Appalachia, where 99% of businesses are classified as small, the unmet capital needs amount to an estimated $70 billion annuallya gap the Appalachian Regional Commission defines as aggregate capital demand significantly outweighing aggregate capital supply. While rural small businesses rely heavily on local financial institutions61% obtain financing from small banks compared to 39% of urban enterprisesthese lenders often lack sufficient capital to meet emergency needs. Meanwhile, larger financial institutions hesitate to extend loans to rural businesses due to perceived risks, unfamiliarity with their business models, and concerns about profitability in less densely populated markets. This structural financing gap creates a dangerous cycle: Chronic underinvestment limits both disaster recovery capabilities and long-term resilience building. As a result, the very businesses that anchor rural communitiesproviding essential services, employment, and community gathering spacesremain the most financially vulnerable when disasters strike. A call for collaboration Philanthropy has made strides in addressing these challenges, but lasting solutions require collaboration across sectors. Natural disasters expose deep gaps in how we support small businesses in Americas heartland. Public, private, and philanthropic partners like those below are working together to create financing models that attract new capital for growth and resilience. Public-sector innovation Community development financial institutions (CDFIs) play a critical role in bridging the capital gap by offering tailored financing solutions focused on quality job creation, housing affordability, and economic mobility. For example, the governments Community Development Financial Institutions Fund created a Rapid Response Program that deployed $1.25 billion to crisis-impacted communities post-Helene. This model of emergency support, combined with streamlined disaster recovery systems, shows how federal resources can effectively reach businesses when they need it most. However, shifting federal priorities and budget considerations could significantly impact these programs in coming years. With potential changes in funding allocations and regulatory frameworks on the horizon, rural communities may need to develop more diversified support systems that blend public resources with private and philanthropic capital. Strengthening these alternative funding mechanisms will be critical to ensure consistent disaster response capabilities regardless of policy fluctuations. Private-sector leadership Wells Fargos Open for Business Fund exemplifies how private enterprise can drive recovery. Launched in 2020 initially as a pandemic response, this $420 million initiative didnt just provide capitalit created a sustainable network of support through CDFIs and nonprofit organizations, helping thousands of business owners recover, rebuild, and grow. This strategic approach has helped small businesses maintain approximately 255,000 jobs nationwide while building longer-term resilience. The fund’s focus on both immediate financial needs and capacity building offers valuable lessons for disaster recovery efforts in vulnerable regions like Appalachia, where similar public-private partnerships could help bridge persistent capital gaps while strengthening business continuity planning. Philanthropic impact Collaborative funding models are proving effective in addressing capital gaps in underserved regions. By bringing together numerous stakeholders, these partnerships help build sustainable support systems that can better withstand economic and environmental challenges. One example is the Emerging Appalachian Investors Fund, a $5 million initiative that empowers students at Marshall University, West Virginia University, and Ohio University to help manage real investments in local businesses and community development projects. This hands-on model not only enhances financial infrastructure but also fosters long-term resilience in communities that are particularly vulnerable during times of crisis. By combining immediate support with strategic investment, such approaches ensure that local enterprises have the resources they need to recoverand grow. While some collaborative models focus on long-term investment and resilience, others are designed for rapid response in times of crisis. In response to the Los Angeles fires, philanthropic groups stepped up with unique approaches that could be replicated in rural communities. The LA Arts Community Fire Relief Fund, led by the J. Getty Trust and administered by the Center for Cultural Innovation, provides emergency support for artists and art workers in all discipline affected by the fires. A pooled fund of $12 million, launched on January 15, 2025, was made possible through contributions from dozens of foundations and individuals. Complementing these efforts, the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation Emergency Wildfire Fund equips local firefighters with tools and safety equipment to safeguard both lives and businesses. The stakes extend beyond individual businesses to the heart of community survival. When small businesses have access to capital, they create jobs, strengthen local economies, and build community resilience. The Appalachian regions entrepreneurial spiritreflected in more than 305,000 new business applications in 2021highlights the potential waiting to be unlocked. By implementing comprehensive financing solutions that bridge these capital gaps today, we can ensure rural businesses not only survive disasters but emerge stronger, ready to serve their communities for generations to come.
Category:
E-Commerce
After weeks of searching and applying, youve made it to the interview stage, a victory in and of itself. But what happens if you land multiple interviews with different companies at the same time? While its certainly a good problem to have, its still one that needs to be handled with careespecially if one of the companies asks whether youre interviewing elsewhere. But does interviewing with multiple companies make you seem like a more desirable candidateor someone less committed? What if you get a job offer from one company, but are midway through the hiring process at another? These questions are common, and how you handle them can impact not only your chances with each company, but also your reputation in the hiring process. We asked Christian Lovell, founder of Careers by Chris, to weigh in. The benefits of interviewing at multiple places In general, it’s fine, and honestly encouraged to let companies know that you are in interviews with other companies, Lovell says. For one, letting them know youre interviewing elsewhere can encourage them to make their decision more quickly. Heres the thing: Whether youre receiving an offer or not, you want them to make a decision either wayyou don’t want to be in limbo, Lovell says. If they want to hire you, it will push them in that direction. And if you’re not their top candidate, it’s honestly a good thing for them to say, Hey, you know, we’re moving [forward] with another candidate. How to disclose that youre interviewing elsewhere When sharing that youre interviewing with more than one company, you dont have to explain too much, such as which company youre interviewing with or all the details about the other job, Lovell explains. During your interview, you can say something simple like, Im in the final stages of interviews with another company, and I wanted you to know. This might also come up naturally when the company shares the timeline of their hiring process, or when you ask, When can I expect to hear back on next steps? Following up When you’re waiting to hear back about a job, especially from more than one company, its natural to feel eager to follow up. But according to Lovell, the key is doing it the right way, and that comes down to timing and professionalism. Ive seen it happen, and its even happened to me, Lovell says. Someone emails every other day, sometimes every few hours, asking, Do you have a decision? Im super interested. It’s okay to say that you’re interested and that you’re interviewing with other companies. But you dont want to follow up with them so much that you seem desperate. After giving it a week or two, Lovell suggests saying something like: Just to be transparent, Im currently interviewing with other companies and expect to receive a decision within the next week or two. Are there any updates on your end? Sending a message like that once is completely fine. Its professional and respectful, and it doesnt make the employer feel rushed. You can also take the opportunity to reiterate your interest by saying, Youre my top choice because of X, Y, and Z. This helps remind them why youre a strong fit while reinforcing your enthusiasm. If you receive an offer If you receive an offer from one of the companies that youre interviewing with, the first thing to do is celebrate, Lovell says. That is a huge accomplishment. Then the next step would be to request their offer in writing. That way you have something to review, and it also gives you time to check in with the other company or companies youre interviewing with. It is honestly not expected of you to accept an offer on the spot, Lovell says. This might look like, “Hey, can I have the offer in writing?” Or “Can I have a couple of days to review this to make sure that it aligns with what I’m expecting?” Once you’ve done that, it’s a good idea to check in with any other companies you’re waiting to hear back from, especially if one of those other companies is your top choice. You might follow up with a final message that reads: I’m still excited about this opportunity. I did receive another offer, and I wanted to check in and see if there are any updates on your end? This will give them the chance to respond with an offer or let you go as a candidate. Either way, getting an offer, or even getting asked to do two interviews at once, is something to celebrate.
Category:
E-Commerce
Consumer intelligence company Morning Consult has publicly launched a new AI platform that can almost instantly provide detailed insights into its survey data in response to questions posed in plain language. Morning Consult conducts roughly 30,000 interviews daily across dozens of countries, enabling clients to access in-depth information about consumer sentiment toward brands, public figures, political trends, spending behaviors, and other factors critical to their businesses. Historically, extracting and analyzing that data required time and expertise in data analytics and visualizationa challenge for business leaders needing quick answers. “The feedback I kept hearing from C-suite executives was: I don’t want to wait to send this email off and find out the answer after I had to make the decision,” says Morning Consult CEO Michael Ramlet. “I need the data right now, and I need to be able to ask it questions.” With the new platform MorningConsult.AI, business leaders and other users can ask questions such as how a brand is performing in a specific country or how its key metrics compare with competitors over the past year. The AI typically generates answers within seconds, complete with data visualizations. Users can drill down further, filtering results by age, race, or other demographics. Those monitoring fast-changing factors, such as U.S. tariff policies, can revisit the platform over time to track shifts using Morning Consults continually expanding data set. Because the AI internally queries Morning Consults proprietary data, the results shown in graph form are transparent and traceable, avoiding the hallucination issues found in general-purpose AI. “This can’t hallucinate,” Ramlet says. “If there’s not data on that topic, it’s not going to bring you back any data that isn’t relevant to the specific business question.” The platform is fast enough for real-time use during meetings or calls, whether viewed on a large screen or quickly accessed on a smartphone. Michael Stutts, chief brand officer at Dollar Shave Club, says he recently used the AI to generate state-level breakdowns of brand awareness, net positivity, and other metrics, with heat maps produced almost instantly. “Within seconds I had what would have taken untold amounts of time and resources to do,” he says. On a call with a retail partner, Stutts was able to immediately answer a question using the AI, eliminating the need to follow up later after internal consultation. According to Ramlet, the platform continues to improve as AI models grow more powerful. Since its initial release to Morning Consult clients in November 2024, the system has gained the ability to analyze and summarize data in text, thanks to advances in commercial AI. “All of a sudden, in the last four months, we’ve seen just an entirely different level of capability to do that type of comparative analytical analysis,” Ramlet says. Currently in public beta testing, the platform is available to anyone. Ramlet envisions a free version will always exist, making Morning Consults insights accessible to students, small businesses, and others without extensive data capabilities. At the same time, the company is developing more advanced AI agents to generate tailored outputs, such as marketing reports or executive briefings. Just as crucial as the AI, Ramlet says, is Morning Consults proprietary data, which competitors can’t easily replicate. “You can’t go back in time and collect that data,” he says. “And I think that’s the part of this that’s going to be really compellingAI is going to make it easier to use proprietary data sets than in the past.”
Category:
E-Commerce
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