This page is for businesses and other private sector entities and contains information, tools and resources to promote resilience.
Private Sector Collaboration with FEMA Region 9
The private sector is a vital part of the emergency management team. We see the nation's vast network of business, industry, academia, trade associations, and other non-governmental organizations as equal - and equally responsible - partners in every phase from preparedness to response and recovery to mitigation.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has worked steadily to increase the level of private sector collaboration at all levels. The agency has broken new ground in areas that will have profound and long-term benefits to the nation, such as the Private Sector Representative position, online training, and downloadable exercises.
FEMA offers a variety of tools to help organizations interested in starting public-private partnerships, including:
- Introductory Course on Building Public-Private Partnerships (free, web based)
- Public-Private Partnership Models
- Grant Funding
- Share Your Public-Private Partnership Story
We've also developed a business case and sample position description to help jumpstart partnerships in your state or territory. Contact us at FEMA-Private-Sector@dhs.gov, we would be happy to share.
For more information on Public-Private Partnerships, please check out the Fact Sheet in our What We Do section of the website.
Private Sector Representative inside FEMA
FEMA’s Private Sector Division has created a 90-day rotational private sector seat in the National Response Coordination Center (NRCC) to support Emergency Support Function-15 (External Affairs).
Training Opportunities
Emergency Management Institute
The Emergency Management Institute conducts a variety of courses for local and regional public agency emergency managers and interested members of the public. These courses are intended to improve the level of national emergency responsiveness to all forms of man-made and natural disasters.
Program: Independent Studies (IS)
Type: On-line Courses (Free)
- IS-394A: Protecting Your Home or Small Business From Disaster
- IS-660: Introduction to Public Private Partnerships
- IS-662: Improving Preparedness and Resilience through Public Private Partnerships
- IS-700: National Incident Management System, An Introduction
- IS-800B: National Response Framework, An Introduction
- IS-821: Critical Infrastructure and Key Resources Support Annex
- IS-860a: National Infrastructure Protection Plan Introductory Course
To learn more about the Emergency Management Institute and their full portfolio of course offerings, please visit their website.
Small Business Tools & Resources
FEMA developed a multi-faceted preparedness program specifically for businesses to mitigate against disruption in operations, as well as to protect their most valuable assets, their employees. Visit FEMA's Ready website for more information on how to plan for and protect your business.
The Small Business Administration has developed a comprehensive program for disaster planning and preparedness for small businesses. Visit their Prepare My Business website for the education, planning, testing, and disaster assistance tools to help ensure your business remains open and recovers faster following a disaster.
Contacts
Michael Cummings, Private Sector Liaison
E-Mail: Michael.Cummings@fema.dhs.gov
Telephone: (510) 627-7220