The Race to Resilience: The Role of Small Business in Driving America's Success

Rhea-AI Summary

FedEx partners with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation's Small Business Readiness for Resiliency Program (R4R) to support small businesses in facing challenges and building resilience. The initiative, endorsed by NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin, aims to equip entrepreneurs with tools and resources for disaster preparedness and recovery.

Hamlin, who grew up in a small business environment, emphasizes the importance of resilience in both racing and business. The R4R program offers guidance on preparing for disasters and provides financial assistance to help businesses recover quickly. This effort aligns with FedEx's commitment to strengthening local economies and supporting small business owners across the country.

The program's impact is illustrated through Hamlin's visit to Lebos, a family-run business in Charlotte, where he shared disaster preparedness steps. FedEx's involvement in R4R is part of its broader FedEx Cares global community engagement program, demonstrating the company's dedication to fostering resilient communities and supporting small businesses.

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / August 28, 2024 / As a NASCAR driver, I've seen my fair share of challenges out on the track. When the caution flag starts waving and pit strategy gets complicated, you can't just throw in the towel. You've got to keep pushing forward, trusting your team and your preparation. That kind of resilience and determination is exactly what small business owners need to weather any storm.

Small business has always been in my DNA. I grew up in Chesterfield, Virginia, a town where small businesses are the heart of the community. My dad owned a trailer repair shop, and I spent plenty of time alongside him in that garage when I was just starting out, getting my hands dirty and learning the value of hard work.

These days, I call the Lake Norman area outside of Charlotte, North Carolina my home. And the small business owners around here have certainly had their fair share of challenges to overcome-from economic uncertainty to extreme weather. These businesses are the ones who embody that same fighting spirit that I try to bring to the racetrack.

That's why I'm so passionate about the work the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation's Small Business Readiness for Resiliency Program (R4R) is doing in partnership with FedEx. They're equipping entrepreneurs with the tools and resources they need to anticipate problems, make a game plan, and power through tough times. As someone who has faced my own battles, I can attest to the value of that kind of preparation and resilience-building.

Over the years, I've worked with companies like FedEx to be an advocate for small businesses. Just recently, my team and I visited Lebos, a family-run small business in Charlotte, to walk them through some disaster preparedness steps to get them set up for the race of their life: running a successful business.

But resilience isn't something you can achieve alone. No matter how fast I go on the track, I also need my pit crew on their A-game to get me back out there faster than the competition. Small businesses need that same kind of support. R4R offers that by guiding business owners through the steps needed to prepare for the next disaster, along with financial assistance to get back up and running as quickly as possible.

At the end of the day, it's all about giving back to the communities that have supported us along the way. That's why I love what R4R is doing to strengthen local economies and help small business owners across the country. When our Main Streets are doing well, we all benefit.

Click here to learn about FedEx Cares, our global community engagement program.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from FedEx Corporation on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:
Spokesperson: FedEx Corporation
Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/fedex-corporation
Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: FedEx Corporation

View the original press release on accesswire.com

FAQ

What is FedEx's role in the Small Business Readiness for Resiliency Program (R4R)?

FedEx is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to support the Small Business Readiness for Resiliency Program (R4R), which provides tools, resources, and financial assistance to help small businesses prepare for and recover from disasters.

How is NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin involved with FedEx's small business initiative?

Denny Hamlin is an advocate for small businesses, working with FedEx to promote the R4R program. He recently visited Lebos, a family-run business in Charlotte, to demonstrate disaster preparedness steps and support the program's goals.

What specific support does the R4R program offer to small businesses?

The R4R program guides business owners through disaster preparedness steps, offers resources for anticipating problems, and provides financial assistance to help businesses recover quickly after a disaster.

How does FedEx's involvement in R4R relate to its corporate social responsibility efforts?

FedEx's participation in R4R is part of its FedEx Cares global community engagement program, which aims to strengthen local economies and support small businesses across the country.