{"id":1798,"date":"2024-07-11T12:49:46","date_gmt":"2024-07-11T16:49:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cap\/?p=1798"},"modified":"2024-08-26T10:07:47","modified_gmt":"2024-08-26T14:07:47","slug":"small-business-flood-relief-resources-and-action-steps-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cap\/small-business-flood-relief-resources-and-action-steps-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Small Business Flood Relief Resources and Action Steps"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Update August, 20, 2024<\/strong>: “FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance is available to the state of Vermont to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storm, flooding, landslides and mudslides from July 9-11, 2024” (https:\/\/www.fema.gov\/press-release\/20240820\/president-joseph-r-biden-jr-approves-major-disaster-declaration-vermont<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As businesses rebuild what was lost and purchase new items after the floods, we urge businesses to engage trusted contacts to help consider the next steps and to help make informed decisions. Businesses with concerns can reach out to the Attorney General\u2019s Consumer Assistance Program (CAP)<\/a> for help. Vermont businesses are covered by our state\u2019s consumer protection law and CAP is a helpful resource available to businesses. CAP\u2019s Small Business Advocate can assist businesses with any questions relating to consumer purchases and consumer complaint mediation.<\/p>\n\n\n

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First and foremost, businesses must document everything<\/strong>. Take pictures and write down all actions you are taking. This step will be integral in applying for relief and insurance claims down the road. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Making Repairs to your Business:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below are a few tips to follow before making changes to your business as you repair and rebuild what was damaged in the flood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible and do not make any permanent changes to your business until you get approval from your insurance company<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Beware of dubious contractors that may appear with promises to restore damages immediately in exchange for immediate payment. Never pay in full upfront for a commercial project. Make sure you have a contract<\/strong>. Before working with a contractor, always check the Attorney General\u2019s Home Improvement Fraud Registry<\/a> and residential contractor registration status<\/a> with the Office of Professional Regulation in the Vermont Secretary of State\u2019s office.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Contact the Consumer Assistance Program by phone at (800) 649-2424 or by email at ago.smallbusiness@vermont.gov<\/a> for questions relating to hiring a commercial contractor.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Legal Assistance:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Small businesses may also need the advice or services of an attorney. Below are legal resources available to small businesses during this time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n