SBAN’s 2026 Working Group is focusing on climate resilience and disaster recovery. Our working group will be co-facilitated by the Resilient Cities Network.

As climate disasters, changing environmental conditions, and investments in resilient infrastructure increasingly reshape communities, small businesses are at risk of displacement. From storms and wildfires to ongoing stressors like flooding and extreme heat, commercial corridors and small businesses are often on the front lines of climate change. 

Yet disaster recovery efforts and climate-related infrastructure investments can create additional displacement pressures, particularly for BIPOC- and immigrant-owned businesses in under-resourced neighborhoods. 

In the working group, participants will collaborate to develop pilot projects for their communities that build resilience and help prevent climate-related small business displacement.

The group will meet once a month for six months, beginning September 2, and is open to SBAN Enhanced Access members. Applicants should be working on or interested in developing strategies related to small business climate resilience, disaster preparedness and recovery, or climate-related infrastructure investment.

Without effective climate resilience and recovery policies, plans, and support systems, small businesses can struggle to remain rooted in their communities. The 2026 working group will explore proactive strategies to help organizations and cities support small businesses so they can withstand and recover from climate-related disruptions. The group will also discuss how to ensure resilience investments strengthen rather than displace communities and small businesses.

Note: session topics are subject to change depending on needs and interests of participants.

Session 1: Understanding Risks, Gaps & Assets
How can small businesses and communities prepare for climate shocks and stresses?

Session 2: Designing a Resilience Project
What are the key components of an effective resilience plan, including programs, partnerships, communication systems, and organizational roles?

Session 3: Working With Cities to Protect Small Businesses
How can advocates engage local governments to help small businesses adapt to and recover from climate events?

Session 4: If the City Isn’t Leading: Alternative Paths Forward
What can communities and organizations do when government capacity or interest is limited?

Session 5: When Disaster Hits: Stabilization in the First 90 Days
What do small businesses need immediately after a disaster?

Session 6: Preventing Displacement 3–12 Months After Disaster
What policies and practices are needed to avoid small business closures and displacement as recovery and reinvestment begin?

First meeting: Wednesday, Sept 2, 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. ET.

Regular meeting time: First Wednesday of the month, September – February 

Format: Virtual via Zoom

Open to: SBAN Enhanced Access members. If you’re not yet an Enhanced member and would like to upgrade your membership so you can participate, you can review membership options here and contact sban@umd.edu to upgrade. We look forward to learning with you!