Member FAQ: What is the Recover Together Small Business HUB (Helping Unite Business)?

WHAT IS THE RECOVER TOGETHER SMALL BUSINESS HUB?
A communications, counseling and case management vehicle, the Recover Together Small Business Hub provides a free clearinghouse service that helps identify and prioritize small business requests, and then connect those small businesses to the resources they need most. In addition to receiving requests for help, the Hub will be initiating community outreach to engage small and minority-owned businesses across Montgomery. This public-private collaboration is an early outcome of Mayor Steven Reed’s Economic Impact Task Force.
 
HOW DOES THE SMALL BUSINESS HUB WORK?
The Hub works by connecting business owners with resources that will be the most beneficial to them as they navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Business owners fill out their Hub form by going to recovermgm.com.
Once a form is completed and submitted, a frontline Hub Specialist will triage requests. The Hub Specialist will either handle that request immediately, connect the business with the appropriate agency or schedule a one-on-one counseling session targeted to its specific needs. A business may also call 334-226-7529 to speak directly to a Hub Specialist about its needs. In addition to receiving requests for help, the Hub Specialist will be initiating community outreach to engage small and minority-owned businesses across Montgomery.
 
IS THE SMALL BUSINESS HUB FREE?
Yes. The Hub is a free service provided by the Chamber in partnership with The City of Montgomery, the Montgomery County Commission and the Small Business Development Center at Alabama State University.
 
WHY IS THIS SERVICE BEING OFFERED?
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, local businesses are laying off employees and closing their doors even as assistance becomes available through a variety of state and federal emergency relief programs. Many businesses are simply not aware of the assistance or have had difficulty accessing it. It is critical for business owners to know what they can and should be doing to stay in business and keep the economy going. The Hub can inform business owners and connect companies with the programs they need.
 
HOW LONG WILL THE HUB BE AVAILABLE?
The program will be available indefinitely. The goal is to assist businesses as we weather this crisis together and to continue to serve the needs of businesses long after recovery.
 
WHO ARE THE HUB SPECIALISTS?
They are trained members of the Chamber staff who follow up directly with businesses in need and provide guidance, resources and referrals. Referrals will be made to the appropriate Hub partners to provide technical assistance and one-on-one counseling sessions.
 
WHAT SUPPORT OPTIONS WILL THE HUB IDENTIFY AND HELP WITH?
The Hub Specialists will help small businesses understand the support options available, including the Paycheck Protection Program, Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), Emergency Grants and Small Business Debt Relief. Business owners will receive guidance on which option is best for their individual business situation based on the information provided and will be connected with an appropriate partner to help them take advantage of the identified program.
 
THE HUB MISSION: Inform business owners and connect companies with the programs they need.
 
GET STARTED: VISIT MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM/HUB FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND RESOURCES.