The goal of ?Ready Business? is to raise the business community?s awareness of the need for emergency planning and to motivate businesses to prepare for disaster. As the article notes, small- to medium-sized businesses are the most vulnerable following a disaster. The ?Ready Business? campaign was kicked off in September 2004 by then-DHS Secretary Tom Ridge, primarily as a preparation and response to a WMD terrorists attack program, but the recent hurricanes have caused a renewed and refocused emphasis of the program. The campaign encourages business owners to develop plans for staying in business, keeping their employees informed, and developing methods to protect their investment.

DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff is quoted as saying, ?Small businesses form the backbone of our nation?s economy, and their emergency preparedness is crucial to keeping our nation secure. A commitment to planning today can protect a business and give it a better chance for survival in the event of a natural disaster, terrorist attack or other emergency.? Additionally the Small Business Administration reports that small businesses represent more than 99% of employers in the US.