Small businesses affected by the storm can find a comprehensive list of resources and guidance at sbtdc.org/hurricaneflorence.

The N.C. Department of Commerce and the Small Business Technology Development Center have partnered with state and federal organizations to compile resources for businesses affected by the storm. Assistance includes help developing recovery strategies as well as access to capital needed to support immediate cleanup costs and longer-term recovery from physical damage and economic losses.

“Business owners face more than physical damage to their place of work after a storm like Hurricane Florence, and we are working to simplify the recovery process so businesses can get relief quickly and efficiently,” Cooper said Monday.

North Carolina small businesses affected by the storm can find a comprehensive list of resources and guidance at sbtdc.org/hurricaneflorence.

The website outlines first steps that businesses should take for recovery, starting with filing an insurance claim and registering with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). FEMA registration is the first step on the track to many forms of recovery funding, so it is important that businesses register as soon as possible, either online or at a FEMA/Small Business Administration center.

Counseling and guidance for businesses is available at an SBTDC office (there’s one at 803 S. College Road, Suite A), Disaster Recovery Centers, and SBA Recovery Centers, all listed on the website. Business owners and other company leaders can also talk with an experienced business counselor at Business Link North Carolina, the state’s hotline for information and resource referrals, including storm recovery resources. The counselors are available toll-free at 800-228-8443, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.