The recent wildfires in southwestern France have caused major disruption across the region. The wildfire that began in Gironde on July 22, 2026, burned approximately 42,000 hectares and led to the evacuation of around 220,000 people at the height of the emergency. By the end of July, conditions had improved and more than 144,000 evacuees had been cleared to return home. The impact, however, has gone far beyond the areas directly affected by the fire. According to Le Monde, more than 13,000 businesses in Gironde were forced to suspend operations during the crisis, highlighting the economic impact on local communities as well as the environmental damage.
For local businesses, recovery does not happen overnight. Fewer visitors, cancelled activities, disrupted operations, and changes in customer behaviour can continue to affect businesses even after the immediate danger has passed — particularly smaller and locally rooted companies.
As communities begin to recover, helping these businesses regain visibility, reconnect with customers, and rebuild momentum will be an important part of moving forward.
Helping Businesses Get Back on Their Feet
For a business, recovery is not only about reopening its doors.
It is also about bringing customers back, rebuilding visibility, reconnecting with partners, and finding new opportunities to move forward. This is where Ronin believes it can help.
Ronin Consultancy has launched Standing with Bordeaux – Ronin Business Recovery Support Campaign 2026, a three-month support initiative for local businesses affected by the recent situation.
Five businesses will be selected to receive support from the Ronin team based on their individual needs. The support may include:
- Social Media Marketing – supporting businesses in rebuilding their online presence and reconnecting with customers through social media.
- Content Marketing – developing relevant content to promote products, services, and business activities
- Marketing Strategy Consulting – reviewing current marketing activities and identifying practical ways to improve visibility and customer engagement.
- Event & EXPO Support – supporting businesses with the planning, promotion, and execution of events and exhibitions.
- International Event Support (Europe & APAC) – helping businesses explore opportunities to participate in or organize events across France, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.
- Trade Seminar Support – assisting with targeted seminars designed to introduce products, meet potential partners, and develop new business opportunities.
- Wine Tasting Event Venue Support in APAC – helping wine businesses identify suitable venues and opportunities to organize wine tasting events in selected Asia-Pacific markets.
The initiative is provided as in-kind support and applications will remain open until August 30, 2026. → Apply for Support
Ronin’s Role in France
France is home to Ronin Consultancy, and we want our presence here to mean more than simply having our headquarters in the country. Our work has always been about connecting people and businesses. Much of what we do involves helping companies from France reach opportunities in Asia-Pacific, while also helping international businesses better understand and connect with the French market.
But connection also matters closer to home.
When businesses in the communities around us face difficult circumstances, we believe our experience, network, and services can be useful in practical ways.
For Ronin, supporting Bordeaux is part of that responsibility.
We hope this initiative can help a small number of businesses regain visibility, reconnect with customers, and find new opportunities as they move forward. If your business has been affected by the recent situation, you can learn more about the initiative and submit an application below.
Standing with Bordeaux – Ronin Business Recovery Support Campaign 2026
