The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers’ Confederation (BCCEC) recently announced the official launch of Restore Bahamas, an initiative focused on helping small and medium size businesses that have been impacted by natural disasters.

“Restore Bahamas continues the work of the BCCEC after Hurricane Joaquin in 2015, when the organization assisted with SME restoration efforts in the affected areas. As a result of identifying access to funds as a critical need, the BCCEC not only recommended business-friendly policies to the Government but worked with partners such as the Rotary Clubs of The Bahamas to raise approximately $450,000 to help defray the costs of restoration,” the BCCEC said in a statement.

The chamber noted that while the committee leverages BCCEC resources, including nine Chambers of Commerce throughout The Bahamas, the funds raised are managed and audited independently. “Restore Bahamas follows a strict due diligence process, employing open, robust and transparent best practices, designed to facilitate and sustain strong relationships with trusted private, public and civic sector partners. Restore Bahamas is working closely with the presidents of the Abaco and Grand Bahama Chambers of Commerce to better understand and support the specific needs of their communities after Hurricane Dorian,” the chamber said.

Restore Bahamas Chairperson Hubert Edwards said the extraordinary impact of the category five storm will require a much greater amount of financial support to assist local businesses.

“Small businesses are an engine for economic prosperity and the backbone of the Bahamian economy,” said Edwards.

“Our mission at Restore Bahamas is simple – we help small and medium size business owners open their doors and get people back to work as soon as possible to restore commerce and rebuild communities after natural disasters. Restoration of commerce is a natural and critical means of extending the humanitarian phase of rebuilding our islands.”