Small businesses, COVID-19, and Hazards: A Case for Better Qualitative Data Management

Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) contribute significantly to local economic development and may impact household recovery and community resilience. However, they are also more vulnerable than larger businesses to disruptions due to lower cash reserves, geographic limitations, and limited capacity to access disaster-related aid. Now with the impact of COVID-19, SMEs are even more vulnerable to potential natural hazards. Survey and qualitative data can help understand the impacts, needs, and barriers to recovery for SMEs; however, there are consistent data access and sharing limitations. How can ESIP use our collective data management experience to support the use, access, and sharing of qualitative data? This presentation was given at the Earth Science Information Partners (ESIP) Summer Meeting held online in July 2020.