Hillsborough business owners can learn how to prepare for storm season

Hillsborough County, Fla. (July 17, 2024) - With every storm that strikes or even threatens Hillsborough County, the business community has a big say in how quickly the community can recover. The water will recede, the roads will be cleared, but in many ways the recovery will ultimately be measured by when everyone can get back to work.

Hillsborough's popular Local Stories Live event in July will help business owners make a plan for hurricanes.

Entrepreneurs will hear from subject matter experts who are passionate about helping businesses survive emergencies. Participants can expect to learn:

  • How to talk to employees about their personal evacuation plans
  • How employers can continue to pay employees during a disruption in business
  • How to make a plan for your inventory
  • The importance of having the right insurance
  • How to keep important documents safe to make it easier to complete recovery forms

Small business owners, which account for almost half of the private-sector workers in the U.S., collectively have a big role in the region's recovery.

There is still room for in-person attendees at the free event Thursday, July 18, at 9 a.m.

The panelists for the discussion include:

  • Robert Pierce, Florida SBDC at Hillsborough County
  • Sandra Atiles-Tyrrell, SAT Industrial Solutions
  • Robert Brooks, TIG Insurance Services

Breakfast is provided for attendees. The event also will be livestreamed on Facebook for people who cannot make it in person.

Hurricane Ready: Make a plan for your business

What: Local Stories Live

Who: Hillsborough County Economic Development

Where: Entrepreneur Collaborative Center, 2101 E. Palm Ave., Tampa, FL 33605

Online: Hillsborough County's Facebook Live

When: 9 a.m. Thursday, July 18