HURRICANE Melissa may have passed but its effects are still being felt by businesses across Jamaica. From infrastructure damage and supply chain disruptions to power outages and shifting customer behaviour, many organisations now face a challenging period of recovery and adjustment.

In times like these strong leadership, clear strategy, and adaptability are essential. The decisions made in the early days and weeks after a disaster often shape whether a business simply gets by or rebuilds with greater strength and resilience.

With this in mind, I’ve compiled nine practical tips to help businesses prepare, pivot, and prosper after Hurricane Melissa. These tips are designed to help business owners navigate the immediate aftermath, stabilise their operations, and position their companies for long-term growth. During this time business owners should:

Communicate clearly and consistently

Silence in a crisis creates fear. Keep your staff, suppliers, and customers informed, even if all you can say is, “We’re still assessing the situation.” Utilise channels your people actually use, such as WhatsApp groups, SMS, or voice notes. Be human, not polished. In Jamaica, empathy and honesty build trust faster than corporate public relations lines.

Keep a positive and realistic mindset

Worry spreads faster than the storm itself. As a leader, you set the emotional tone. Celebrate small wins like reopening your doors, restoring electricity, or confirming a supplier delivery. Every small step forward rebuilds morale and signals hope. Remember that your team mirrors your mindset.

Embrace change, do not resist it

What worked before Hurricane Melissa may not work now. Flexibility is essential. Pivot your products, pricing, or delivery methods. Smaller pack sizes or bundled deliveries can help when transport is disrupted. Collaborate with suppliers or businesses in less-affected parishes. Jamaica’s resilience lies in cooperation, not isolation.

Cut back wisely but keep investing

Cash is king, but fear kills opportunity. Re-negotiate rent, supplier terms, and loan repayments where possible. Seek out government grants or recovery funds for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Invest strategically in backup power, inventory systems, or technology that keep operations running. Do not stop marketing. Even a smaller presence ensures your visibility and survival.

Secure and extend credit before you need it

Waiting until you are desperate is too late. Approach banks and credit unions early to explore loans, grants, or SME recovery programmes through institutions like Development Bank of Jamaica, Jamaica Business Development Corporation, or other commercial banks. Prepare simple, clear financial summaries as they speed up approvals. Leverage personal and business credit responsibly to keep cash flow steady.

Strengthen your administrative backbone

Many businesses collapse not from lack of sales, but poor admin systems. Digitise invoices, automate payroll, and use online banking. Maintain communication through virtual assistants if your admin team is displaced. A few hours of organisation now saves weeks of confusion later.

Market and sell even when it feels wrong

Stopping marketing after a disaster is like turning off the light in the dark. Let your customers know who is open and what services or products are available. Adjust your message to say, “We’re open and here to serve safely” in order to build both loyalty and sales. Collaborate with community leaders or chambers to amplify your message.

Focus on repeat business and relationships

Your existing customers are gold. Take care of them first. Offer loyalty recovery deals such as bulk discounts, prepay savings, or free delivery days. Keep communication personal. A call or WhatsApp check-in goes farther than a fancy ad. Apply the 80/20 rule, as the top 20 per cent of your clients generate 80 per cent of your recovery.

Step back to lead, do not get stuck in the weeds

Crisis leadership means making space to think. Delegate daily firefighting so you can focus on strategy and sustainability. Connect with a coach, advisor, or mentor as outside eyes bring clarity. Protect your health. Burnout helps no one. You cannot rebuild if you collapse.

Hurricane Melissa hit hard but Jamaicans are harder to break. If we prepare smartly, pivot quickly, and stay connected, not only will we recover, we will come back stronger, more united, and more innovative than before.

Marcia Woon Choy is CEO, ActionCOACH Jamaica.