When disaster strikes—whether it’s a fire, flood or cybersecurity breach—it’s not just buildings or systems that are impacted. It’s people. It’s livelihoods. It’s our community.
Over the past three years, Worthington businesses have faced more than their fair share of challenges. From four devastating fires to dozens of cybersecurity breaches and buildings damaged by water, these events have tested our resilience time and time again.
And in talking with business owners after these devastating experiences, one sentiment stood out loud and clear. As one business owner put it: “It would be helpful to have something to help us know what the hell we should be doing.”
We heard you. And we knew we had to do better.
That’s why the Worthington Area Chamber is proud to launch the Worthington Business Recovery Hub. This isn’t just a webpage it’s a blueprint for resilience. A place where local businesses can find the resources, guidance and the support they need to rebuild, recover and reopen stronger than ever. As Matt Lofy, President/CEO of the Worthington Area Chamber, explains:
"We’ve seen firsthand how disasters can shake the foundation of our business community. But we’ve also seen the incredible strength and determination of our local businesses to rise above these challenges. That’s why we created the Worthington Business Recovery Hub—to ensure that no business has to navigate these tough times alone. Together, we can rebuild stronger than ever."
In our research, we found that while there are plenty of disaster preparedness resources and checklists, there’s a glaring gap when it comes to the “what now?”—the next steps businesses need to take after devastation strikes. And with 75% of our businesses having nine employees or fewer, we knew we had to create something tailored to the lifeblood of our community: the small businesses that often have the fewest resources at their disposal.
The Recovery Hub offers:
- Step-by-step guide for navigating disasters and cybersecurity breaches
- Mental health resources for business leaders facing stress and uncertainty
- Connections to local officials and community support networks
- Tools to help spread the word about reopenings and temporary closures
Why now? Because leading through the good times is easy. But true leadership shines in the hard times. And the Worthington Area Chamber is committed to being there for our businesses when they need us most.
We know that challenges can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. The Worthington Business Recovery Hub is here to ensure that every business in our community has the support it needs to rise stronger. We will continue to evolve this as we gain more insights.
Visit the hub today and see how we’re turning challenges into opportunities for growth and collaboration. Together, we’re not just recovering—we’re building a brighter future for Worthington area businesses.
Let’s lead the way, Worthington. 
