Experts To Help Hillsborough Businesses Brace For Hurricane Season

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — Eight months have passed since Hurricane Ian plowed through the Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island communities, and businesses are still struggling to reopen. Some may never welcome customers again.

Like a business plan, a disaster plan is something all entrepreneurs should have, but many do not. Day-to-day operations take time and energy, and prioritizing contingency planning is difficult.

Hillsborough County is here to help business owners prepare and be disaster-ready. The county's Entrepreneurial Collaborative Center, which helps local business owners by providing easy access to business service providers, resources, mentorship and specialty training, will host a Local Stories Live Business Disaster panel discussion on Friday, June 9 at 9 a.m.

The discussion will feature entrepreneurs who have persevered through adversities and know the value of preparing for, especially hurricanes, including:

Christina Sweet, owner of The Main Ingredient, who has overcome several business setbacks, including the challenges of COVID-19 and unexpectedly losing her commercial lease.

Robert Brooks, who been a commercial insurance agent for over 25 years and is an expert on how small businesses should be protected.

Cecelia Claudio-Torres, co-founder and director of communications for Elegant Evening Events, who will discuss disaster planning strategies that have helped her navigate numerous challenges.

The discussion will take place at the ECC at 2101 E. Palm Ave., in Ybor City.

Participants can attend in person or watch live on Facebook.