The Vermont Chamber of Commerce is promising to help businesses around the state recover from this week’s flooding, in conjunction with federal relief help approved by President Joe Biden Tuesday morning.
Right now, business owners should be keeping track of inventory and damages as safely as possible through photo, video and writing, the chamber advised in a press statement Tuesday. The group suggests documenting the date of purchase, value and receipts, if possible.
It suggest using the Vermont Small Business Development Center’s free Disaster Recovery Guide for Businesses, a 72-page explainer on the steps that small business owners and employees can take after a natural disaster like this week’s flooding.
The chamber also recommends that businesses contact their insurance company to file a claim or help understand what losses may or may not be covered.
“The Vermont Chamber is here to support businesses statewide with recovery efforts and our experienced and trusted team is on hand to listen, and assist,” it wrote in the statement. The group can be reached at info@vtchamber.com to “connect you with resources and communicate needs with state and federal agencies,” it said.
In the flood’s aftermath, state emergency management officials will work alongside the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration on tapping into the funds and repairing business damage, according to the release.
The Vermont State Agency of Commerce & Community Development will also be a key player in the infrastructure and business cleanup. Its email list will provide updates on emergency flood relief news and resources for small businesses.
