When disaster strikes, small businesses are often the first to feel the effects. That’s why the State of Tennessee has a number of disaster relief resources available to help them recover.
The first step for any small business owner should be to contact their local chamber of commerce or Small Business Development Center (SBDC). These organizations can provide information on available disaster relief resources and help connect businesses with the right agencies.
For example, the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development offers a Business Recovery Grant program to help businesses with physical damage from a declared disaster. Grants are available for up to $50,000 and can be used to cover expenses such as repairs, replacement of equipment, and cleanup costs.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is another resource that offers disaster assistance loans to small businesses and homeowners. These low-interest loans can be used to cover the cost of repairs, replacement of lost inventory or equipment, and other expenses related to the disaster.
Finally, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) provides information and resources on a variety of topics related to disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. TEMA can also connect businesses with other state and federal agencies that may be able to provide assistance.
For more information on disaster relief resources available in Tennessee, small business owners can contact their local chamber of commerce, SBDC, or TEMA.
https://www.tn.gov/ecd/businesses/business-recovery-grant-program.html
https://www.sba.gov/disaster-assistance
https://www.tn.gov/tema/businesses.html