State Resources and Services for Businesses
Disasters can disrupt every aspect of business operations in Tennessee, from physical facilities and equipment to workforce capacity and financial stability. To support economic recovery, Tennessee offers a variety of state-level programs and resources designed to help businesses stabilize, rebuild, and resume operations. However, these resources are not always available for every disaster, even when a federal disaster declaration is issued. Program availability can depend on eligibility requirements, the type and scope of the disaster, and decisions made by federal and state agencies. This page outlines many of the key state programs that may be activated after a disaster, helping business owners understand where to turn for assistance when it becomes available.
Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance
Consumer Disaster Recovery Resources
- Guidance on filing claims for damaged property, equipment, or inventory
- Resources for resolving insurance disputes
- Support in identifying and reporting contractor fraud or scams
Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development
- Support through local development districts and regional economic partners
- Guidance on business continuity, relocation needs, and long-term recovery planning
- Connections to state and federal recovery programs
Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)
- Provides temporary income for employees who lose work due to a disaster.
- Helps businesses support their workforce indirectly during recovery.
- Assistance for businesses experiencing temporary closures, layoffs, or major operational disruptions.
- Helps connect employees to reemployment or support services.
Tennessee Department of Revenue
Tax Relief Support
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Tennessee law authorizes the Commissioner of Revenue to extend a state filing due date when the IRS extends a federal filing due date due to a natural disaster. The Tennessee Department of Revenue assesses each natural disaster on a case-by-case basis to determine tax deadline extensions. For more information, visit the Department of Revenue’s website.
Tennessee Small Business Development Centers
- Free Business Counseling
- Assistance applying for SBA disaster loans
- Financial planning and recovery strategy development
- Help reconstructing business records needed for loan or insurance applications
- Business continuity planning