Triangle East Chamber Launches Business Resilience Program with Duke Energy

Triangle East Chamber Launches Business Resilience Program with Duke Energy Grant to Help Local Businesses Prepare for Disasters

Smithfield, NC (April 2026) – The Triangle East Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Johnston Community College Small Business Center, is proud to announce the launch of the Johnston County Business Resilience Program, a three-part workshop series designed to help local businesses prepare for, respond to, and recover from unexpected disruptions.

Funded through a grant from Duke Energy, this program provides small businesses with expert-led training, practical tools, and access to resources that strengthen operational continuity in the face of hurricanes, flooding, cyber threats, and extended power outages.

“Disruptions—whether natural or digital—can have lasting impacts on small businesses,” said Kelly Wallace, President & CEO of the Triangle East Chamber of Commerce. “This program is about helping businesses not only survive those moments, but recover faster and come back stronger.”

The workshop series will take place May through August 2026 and will feature subject matter experts, local emergency management leaders, and cybersecurity professionals. Participants will develop a customized business continuity plan and gain a deeper understanding of local emergency response systems.

Businesses that attend all three sessions will be eligible to apply for grant funding to support immediate, tangible improvements that enhance their resilience and reduce recovery time following a disaster.

Workshop Schedule:

• Session 1: Disaster Impact & Recovery Planning – May 5, 2026
• Session 2: Johnston County Emergency Response – June 2, 2026
• Session 3: Cybersecurity & Digital Resilience – August 4, 2026

The sessions are open to small and mid-sized businesses across Johnston County. Space is limited.

“This partnership allows us to bring critical, real-world training directly to our business community,” said Suzanne Ross, Director of the Small Business Center at Johnston Community College. “Prepared businesses are stronger businesses—and that benefits our entire local economy.”

Business owners are encouraged to register early and commit to the full series to maximize both learning and funding opportunities.