Return on equity and market share increase after a natural disaster

The purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore what strategies, business owners in northeastern Florida have used to avoid permanent business closure in the aftermath of a natural disaster. 40% of small businesses in the United States goes out of business each year because of natural disasters (Schrank, Marshall, Hall-Phillips, Wiatt, & Jones, 2013). After a natural disaster, small businesses suffer financial losses in millions of dollars related to damage and destruction that disrupt their lives, families, and communities. Some of the findings from this study were that businesses who survived natural disasters used cash reserves, friends, family, and to maintain business continuity until insurance coverage and other disaster relief arrived. The findings of this study may add to the body of knowledge and contribute to social change through the innovative family and friend coalitions that sustained established businesses after natural disasters.