Small Business Essentials Articles

Set your small business up for success with these banking basics.

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Why small businesses need powerful tools Sally’s problem (and her simple solution) It’s 9:12 a.m. Sally refreshes her email while an impatient client waits on the phone. She’s sure she sent the invoice yesterday. It should be there, waiting in their inbox — but it’s not. After months of hard work, her CPA practice is starting to grow… but the tools she’s been using to run her business haven’t kept up. She’s constantly juggling online payment apps, hard-to-track invoices, questions from her two assistants, and phone calls with clients. It’s exhausting. If any of that sounds familiar, don’t worry. The solution may be as simple as choosing a better business checking account. The hard stage that no one talks about Every business reaches a point where things start to shift. You’re not trying to make it work anymore — it actually is working! — but your systems and tools still look the same as they did when you were just starting out. Your business might look something like this: The business is real and starting to grow Revenue is steady and plans for the future are forming Business tools feel scattered, disorganized, or difficult to use You end up feeling like you’re plugging more and more outlets into a power bank, and suddenly there’s no more room — now, when you try to add another piece, something else stops working. The good news: Growing pains are normal for small businesses Most business owners face early headwinds once real growth starts to kick in. There’s nothing wrong with the product or the strategy — they’ve simply outgrown their infrastructure. This is when relying on free or fragmented tools starts to be a huge pain point. Clear transaction records and useful reporting emerge as obvious business needs. Process problems multiply until they start to impact clients and customers. With high demand and insufficient tools, it’s hard to manage the day-to-day essentials — let alone find the time to troubleshoot solutions. But the fix may be as simple as taking a hard look at your business bank account. What should a business checking account actually do? Too many small business owners think that the bank is only there to hold their money. The truth is that a great business checking account can act as the central hub of your entire operation — like a financial breaker panel that keeps everything running smoothly. The right account can help you: Separate your personal and business finances Easily track all of your transactions Simplify payroll, vendor payments, and more At First Bank, we understand that even small businesses have a lot of moving parts. That’s why we created Business Elite Checking. Business Elite helps you move beyond the basics Designed for small and mid-sized businesses that want to streamline and simplify, Business Elite Checking helps business owners cross common pain points off their to-do list. Besides being packed full of perks, it’s also easy to eliminate the monthly maintenance fee by enrolling in useful services like credit card processing or by taking out a business credit card. Get a clear picture of your finances Mixing your personal and business expenses is a headache waiting to happen. Clean separation makes bookkeeping, tax prep, and financial reporting easier. Enjoy more room to grow Business Elite offers 500 free transactions per month and up to $25,000 in cash deposits at no additional charge — because every growing business needs space to operate. Protect your business from fraud As your business scales, so does exposure to fraud. That’s why Business Elite Checking includes identity protection services, data breach support, and sophisticated monitoring tools. Do everything, all in one place The right account makes it easy to manage merchant services, payroll direct deposit, business lines of credit, and more — without having to juggle multiple platforms. Get perks like 24/7 telehealth Access to 24/7 video or phone visits with licensed doctors, providing convenient healthcare for you and your family. All with zero copays. Start building a solid foundation now If your business is moving forward but your tools aren’t keeping up, now is the perfect time to talk to a local business banker about what comes next. You’ve already done the hard work of building something new — together, we can make it even better. 4 min read

Serious millennial man using laptop sitting at the table in a home office, focused guy in casual clothing looking at the paper, communicating online, writing emails, distantly working or studying on computer at home.

How to protect your business from email fraud Email fraud is a growing problem Email fraud is one of the most costly cyber threats facing companies today. Fraudsters are getting better at impersonating trusted people — like CEOs, vendors, and longtime employees — to trick businesses into making fraudulent payments or sharing sensitive security information. But here’s the good news: Business email compromise is preventable. Fraudsters often depend on human error, not on high-tech hacking, so adding a few smart safeguards can help your business stop scams before it’s too late. What is Business Email Compromise (BEC)? BEC is a type of fraud where criminals use email to pose as someone you trust. Instead of relying on malware, these attacks use social engineering. They put pressure on employees, exploit trust, or create a false sense of urgency to drive action. These are just a few common forms of email fraud: Real email accounts are taken over using stolen passwords Spoofed domains make fake emails look almost identical to real ones Executives or vendors are impersonated convincingly enough to trick employees Compromised vendor accounts send realistic payment requests Whether the email asks for a wire transfer, a payroll change, or confidential information, the goal is the same: Move fast enough to slip through safeguards. Need help fending off fraud? Snag our Fraud Spotter Checklist to help you spot a scam before it strikes, then read on for more tips on preventing email fraud! Download now Here’s what your business should watch out for Fraudsters tend to follow familiar patterns. Knowing what to look for helps your team spot trouble before it spreads. These scams work when security steps are skipped or when employees don’t pause to verify a request. Slowing down and double-checking before acting is often enough to stop them. 1. Invoice fraud You receive an “invoice” that looks legitimate. It may even be timed to match your usual billing cycles. But the payment details have been quietly altered. 2. Vendor or supplier compromise Attackers access or mimic a vendor’s email account and send updated payment instructions, redirecting funds to a fraudulent bank account. 3. Executive impersonation A senior leader sends out an email with an “urgent request” to send a wire transfer. The message might emphasize confidentiality or time constraints to make employees act fast. 4. Payroll diversion An employee “updates” their direct deposit information. Without verification, the next paycheck goes straight to a fraudulent account. 5. Gift card scams A request from a “company leader” comes through, asking for bulk gift card purchases to surprise the team with a well-earned reward. The gift cards are delivered to a fraud-friendly address. What can you do to stop email fraud? A strong defense doesn’t require complicated tools. All you need is a clear process and good guardrails. 1. Train your team regularly Training doesn’t need to be complex — short refreshers each quarter go a long way. Employees should feel confident recognizing red flags like: Pressure or urgency in unexpected requests Slight changes to company email addresses Breaking normal or established processes Instructions to keep transactions confidential 2. Turn on Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) This is one of the simplest and highest-impact steps you can take. Most account takeovers start with stolen passwords, but adding a secondary form of authentication (like a code sent via text or email) dramatically reduces your company’s risk of third-party logins. 3. Verify all financial requests through a trusted channel Before sending money or changing payment details, require a second confirmation via phone or in-person conversation. Never reply to the email directly if you suspect a scam. 4. Strengthen your email security Small steps add up to big impacts. Basic security protocols are often overlooked, even at large organizations. Here’s what you can do to help prevent email fraud: Require strong, unique passwords Implement routine password updates Add anti-phishing security tools 5. Use email authentication protocols (DMARC, SPF, DKIM) These settings help you identify impersonated emails and prevent spoofing by verifying unique digital signatures. You can think of it like having your system check the sender’s ID at the door. Your IT team or service provider can implement them quickly and easily. 6. Limit access to sensitive systems Give employees access only to software that’s essential for their role. Having fewer access points reduces your company’s risk of a data breach. 7. Create a simple response plan A quick response can minimize or prevent the damage caused by an attempted attack. Your team should know: How to report suspicious messages Authenticate a request that may not be legitimate What to do in the event of a suspected breach Start building a culture of prevention Business Email Compromise is a serious threat, but it’s also one you can prepare for. When your organization combines smart training, clear procedures, and common-sense protections, you create a reliable defense against email fraud. For questions about fraud prevention, reach out to our team. We’re always here to help you put safety and soundness first. 5 min read

a wolf in sheep's clothing works at a scam

Can You Spot a Scam? Can you spot a scam? Most people are confident that they can tell the difference between fact and fiction, but the truth is that it isn’t always easy to fend off fraud. Want to test your knowledge? Click through the scenario below and think about whether it’s a helpful notice from your bank or if it might be a scam. Read on to find out the answer! Is this your bank… or is it fraud? 1) Your phone rings. Caller ID shows the number as your local bank. 2) You pick up the phone. The caller addresses you by name and seems to be familiar with your bank account number, address, and transaction history. 3) They warn you of possible fraud on your account. The caller asks if you’re familiar with several recent transactions and reassures you that they’ll help you protect your account. 4) They ask you to confirm your identity. Before the caller can help, they ask you to verify your identity by sharing the last 4 digits of your debit card or a one-time passcode. So… what do you think? Is the person on the phone a cunning fraudster or an honest banker? How to fight fraud and find red flags In the scenario above, the call is probably a scam. But the caller’s familiarity with your personal details may cause you to drop your guard long enough for them to retrieve your Secure Access Code (SAC) or a one-time code texted to your phone. They may use that code to change the password of your bank account, letting them in and locking you out, or to add your card to their digital wallet, which lets them use your card to make unauthorized purchases. It’s important to know that First Bank will never ask you for information like a one-time passcode if we’re the ones reaching out to you. Here are some other common red flags to look out for… Keep an eye out for these common tricks: Unexpected calls or messages, even if they look official. If you get any kind of communication claiming to be from First Bank — or another trusted source — stop and think about whether it might be fraud before responding. Caller ID and emails are easily faked. Pressure to act fast. Scammers often create a false sense of urgency to keep you from calmly thinking things through. They may claim that your account is at risk or that you owe money on a debt. Remember that legitimate businesses are unlikely to rush you. Requests for sensitive information. While we may send you a one-time code to verify your identity after you call us, remember that a First Bank employee will never reach out to you and then ask for your one-time passcode, PIN, or password. ` Being told not to contact your bank. Fraudsters may say that your local branch is under investigation for misconduct or that your usual banker isn’t available. Don’t be afraid to hang up and call a trusted number to confirm whether there’s really a problem. Unusual payment methods. If you’re ever asked to pay with a gift card, wire money to a specific account, or use a payment app, stop and call your local bank. Cryptocurrency and large cash withdrawals are also common. Scammers prefer payments like these because they’re hard to trace, and it’s often impossible to recover stolen funds. Learn more about financial fraud If you suspect a scam, here’s what to do. Need to make a quick decision in the heat of the moment? Remember these important fraud protection tips: ✅ Always double-check the details ✅ Stop and think through the situation ✅ Keep your private information secure ✅ Talk to someone you trust — like your local bank ✅ Only make payments through familiar platforms ✅ Don’t be afraid to trust your intuition And remember — fraudsters don’t only go after regular folks. They target business accountholders, too. Keep an eye out for invoices from unfamiliar vendors, urgent payment requests, unusual payroll changes, and spoofed emails. Some business accounts, like First Bank’s Business Elite, offer built-in treasury tools and fraud protection. 5 min read

ISO 20022: A Smarter, Safer Future for Payments First Bank has already adopted this standard to ensure a smoother transition for our clients. Here’s what the ISO 20022 transition means for you: 1. A Universal Language for Financial Messaging ISO 20022 creates a standardized, structured format that enables banks and payment systems across the globe to “speak the same language.” This means: Faster and more accurate wire transfers Clearer payment details Fewer processing errors By replacing older, inconsistent formats, ISO 20022 enables more efficient, transparent communication between financial institutions—benefiting individuals, businesses, and governments. 2. Smarter Data = More Efficient Payments One of the biggest benefits of ISO 20022 is the ability to include more complete, structured data with each transaction. For businesses, nonprofits, and municipalities, this leads to: Easier reconciliation of incoming payments Less time chasing down missing or incorrect information More accurate recordkeeping and reporting In short, better data makes for better operations. 3. Stronger Fraud Protection and Compliance ISO 20022 enhances security by expanding the amount and clarity of data sent with each transaction. For example: Longer character fields reduce ambiguity in recipient names and addresses More complete payment context helps financial institutions detect suspicious activity Standardized formatting improves automated fraud screening and compliance checks These enhancements make it harder for fraudsters to impersonate payees or manipulate transaction details. What to Expect at First Bank: ISO 20022 Timeline and Impact July 2025: Domestic Wires Starting July 2025, the Federal Reserve requires all domestic wire transfers to use ISO 20022 formatting. At First Bank, we’ve already upgraded our systems. Clients now see updated wire forms and additional address requirements when initiating new transfers. Review any recurring wire transfers. If initiated before June 2025, they may need updates. Ensure the new required address field for recipients is added to all recurring transfers. Ensuring all fields are complete will prevent disruptions. Fall 2025: International Wires In November 2025, SWIFT will only accept ISO 20022 formatting. At First Bank, we’re in the process of making these necessary updates to ensure you’ll be prepared for any upcoming changes to your wire transfer process. Looking Ahead: A More Connected Financial System With ISO 20022 as a shared global standard, financial institutions will be able to: Process payments faster and with greater accuracy Communicate more clearly across borders Reduce delays, errors, and fraud across the system The result? A more seamless, secure, and connected global financial ecosystem—with benefits for every business and customer it touches. Have a question about ISO 20022? If you need a hand reviewing your First Bank wire transfers to ensure ISO 20022 compliance, reach out to your local First Bank or contact Business Support. First Bank’s business support team is available for immediate assistance during regular business hours from 8 am to 6 pm, Monday through Friday. Call 866-435-7208 or email BusinessSupport@LocalFirstBank.com. 3 min read

How to Build Business Credit as a New Business: A Step-by-Step Guide 1. Establish Your Business Plan Creating a business plan is the first step when starting a business. It serves as a roadmap, outlining your goals, target market, financial projections, and strategies for success. A well-crafted, documented plan also conveys your vision to important stakeholders like CPAs and attorneys so they can provide tailored financial and legal guidance. A CPA will use your plan to assess budgeting, tax planning, and funding strategies while attorneys will use it to advise on business structure contracts and compliance. Ultimately, a business plan will transform your vision to actionable steps, ensuring professional advisors can help you build a solid foundation for long-term success. 2. Register Your Business With your business plan in hand, and the direction of your advisors, it’s time to set up your business legally. Incorporate your business as an LLC, corporation, or form a partnership. This not only legitimizes your operations but also separates your personal and business finances. Additionally, you’ll also want to apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, which acts as a social security number for your business. Make sure your business has a registered physical address and phone number, as lenders and credit bureaus will use this information to verify your business. 3. Open a Business Bank Account A dedicated business bank account is the foundation of good business financial management. By separating personal and business finances, you create clear financial records that help build your business’s financial reputation. At First Bank, we offer tailored business banking solutions to help you manage transactions, track expenses, and monitor cash flow—essential components for establishing your business credit. Pro Tip: Don’t settle for just any bank with business checking options. Spend some time researching banks and meet with a few different bankers to make sure you find a financial institution you believe in and a banker that you resonate with. The right banker will consider your full banking picture – offering holistic financial advice specific to your personal and business needs. At First Bank, we provide customized solutions based on a deep understanding of our customer’s financial history, goals, and needs. We even have a checking account that includes telehealth benefits for your employees. Click here to explore First Bank business checking account options or use this link to reach out to a First Bank Business Development Officer. 4. Obtain a D-U-N-S Number A D-U-N-S number from Dun & Bradstreet is essential for tracking your business’s credit. It serves as a unique identifier for your company, used by credit bureaus to assess your business’s creditworthiness. This step helps ensure that your business credit is separate from personal credit, which can lead to better loan terms and credit card offers in the future. Visit the Dun & Bradstreet website for more information on how to obtain a D-U-N-S number. 5. Establish Trade Lines with Vendors One of the best ways to build business credit is by working with vendors and suppliers that report to major business credit bureaus, such as Dun & Bradstreet, Experian, and Equifax Business. Establish trade lines by purchasing supplies or services on credit and consistently paying your invoices on time. A strong payment history is one of the most important factors in building a solid credit score. 6. Determine Your Credit Needs Business credit cards are an excellent short-term tool for building credit, especially when used responsibly. Additionally, you may want to consider other forms of credit that compliment your long-term business goals like a term loan for working capital or a commercial loan to purchase a building. Consulting with a trusted banking partner will help you determine the best financing package that makes the most sense for your business. First Bank offers a competitive business credit card featuring a wealth of benefits like 0% introductory APR, no annual fee, and powerful rewards program. To learn more about the First Bank Mastercard Business Card with Rewards, read our article “4 Reasons Why the First Bank Mastercard Business Credit Card is Good for Business”. 7. Monitor and Maintain Personal and Business Credit Personal credit is crucial for business financing, especially for small businesses and startups. Until business credit is established, an owner’s personal credit will be used by lenders to evaluate trustworthiness of the business itself. Everything from loan and credit approvals, interest rates and loan terms, personal guarantees, business credit card approvals, and business expansion opportunities will look at an owner’s personal credit score. Once your credit is established, it’s important to regularly monitor your credit reports for accuracy. Mistakes can happen, and any errors could negatively impact your score. By reviewing your credit reports from major bureaus, you can correct any inaccuracies and keep track of your credit performance. 8. Build Credit Gradually and Diversify Your Portfolio Building business credit is not an overnight process. Start by using small, manageable credit lines and paying them off in full each month. Over time, this demonstrates reliability to lenders and creditors, which can lead to increased credit limits and more favorable terms. Patience and consistency are key to long-term success. As your business grows, diversifying your credit sources can strengthen your overall credit profile. Consider applying for larger lines of credit, term loans, or equipment financing as your company expands. However, be mindful of your credit utilization ratio. Keeping your credit use below 30% of your available credit helps maintain a healthy score and shows that your business isn’t overly reliant on borrowing. 9. Manage Cash Flow Effectively Good cash flow management is the backbone of maintaining strong business credit. Make sure you always have enough cash on hand to cover expenses, ensuring you can make timely payments on any credit accounts. By maintaining a good relationship with your bank, you can improve your chances of securing future loans or credit increases. Why Choose First Bank for Your Business Banking Needs? First Bank is committed to being the best bank for business in North and South Carolina. We offer personalized service, local expertise, and a wide range of business banking solutions tailored to your needs. Our bankers will give you honest and sound advice that considers your unique situation and your long-term goals. Whether you’re looking to open a business account or apply for a line of credit, our team is here to support your financial growth every step of the way. Want to meet with a banker to discuss how you can improve your business credit? Request a meeting with a Business Development Officer or visit your local First Bank branch today to get started! 6 min read

Why Good Business Credit is Essential for the Success of your Business 1. Better Financing Options When your business has strong credit, it becomes easier to secure loans, lines of credit, and other forms of financing. Not only will you have access to more options, but lenders are also likely to offer you more favorable terms, such as lower interest rates and higher credit limits. Lower interest rates can save your business a substantial amount of money over time, while better terms provide flexibility in managing cash flow, covering operational expenses, or investing in growth. Good business credit reduces the risks for lenders, meaning they are more willing to trust your business’s financial stability. This trust is rewarded through more affordable financing options, which can play a significant role in sustaining and expanding your operations. 2. Higher Credit Limits for Greater Financial Flexibility One of the advantages of good business credit is the ability to secure higher credit limits. For business owners, this is crucial in managing cash flow, especially during times when expenses fluctuate or sales are seasonal. A higher credit limit ensures that your business has the flexibility to cover operational expenses, such as payroll, inventory, or other costs, without having to worry about hitting a credit ceiling too early. Additionally, with a higher credit limit, businesses can take on larger projects, invest in new equipment, or pursue larger contracts without running into immediate cash flow issues. 3. Favorable Vendor and Supplier Terms Suppliers and vendors often evaluate a business’s creditworthiness before extending payment terms. A company with good business credit is more likely to be offered favorable terms, such as net 30 or net 60, which means you have 30 or 60 days to pay your invoice. These terms improve your company’s working capital by giving you the flexibility to pay for products and services after generating revenue from them. Being able to negotiate better terms with suppliers can also allow you to take advantage of bulk purchasing or discounts, further strengthening your profit margins. On the other hand, businesses with poor credit may face stricter payment terms, which can lead to cash flow problems down the road. 4. Lower Insurance Premiums Many business insurance providers look at your company’s credit score when determining premiums. A strong credit score can help reduce the cost of insurance, lowering one of your regular business expenses. Insurance companies view businesses with good credit as being less risky, which leads to lower premiums. For small businesses, every dollar saved is important. Lower insurance premiums mean more capital to reinvest into the business, whether that’s for new equipment, employee training, or marketing initiatives. 5. Business Growth and Expansion Opportunities Strong business credit doesn’t just help you manage daily operations—it also positions your company for growth. With easier access to capital, you can seize opportunities to expand operations, purchase new equipment, hire additional staff, or even launch new product lines. Whether you’re opening a second location or scaling your team, business credit is often the foundation of these major moves. Businesses that can quickly access financing without hurdles are better equipped to take advantage of growth opportunities when they arise. On the other hand, businesses with poor credit may struggle to find the capital they need, missing out on potential revenue and growth. 6. Building Reputation and Trust Having good business credit doesn’t just help with finances—it also signals to potential partners, investors, and customers that your business is financially stable and reliable. A company with strong credit is seen as a trustworthy partner in the marketplace, which can foster stronger relationships with clients and other businesses. Investors are also more likely to invest in a business with good credit, as it reflects sound financial management and lower risk. Similarly, customers often view financially stable businesses as more reliable, leading to increased trust and loyalty. 7. Separation of Personal and Business Finances Establishing and maintaining good business credit allows business owners to separate their personal and business finances. This separation is crucial because it helps protect personal assets in the event of any business-related financial issues. Without business credit, owners often rely on their personal credit to secure loans or credit for their businesses, which can blur the lines between personal and business liabilities. By keeping personal and business finances separate, you also reduce the chances of personal credit being affected by business downturns, which helps maintain financial health on both fronts. Next Steps When you’re ready to expand and grow your business, come talk to us at First Bank. We are dedicated to helping local businesses thrive. Whether you’re looking to improve your business credit or secure financing for expansion, our team is here to provide personalized support every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your business succeed. 4 min read

Banking on Business: Webinar Replay, Recap & Takeaways Our recent webinar was an engaging roundtable that brought together financial experts and community business leaders to discuss essential strategies for business growth and financial management. Moderated by Joe Diggs, SBA Sales Leader at First Bank, the discussion covered vital topics, including bank relationships, cash flow management, credit strategies, and fraud prevention. 4 min read

[First Bank Webinar] Banking on Business: Everyday Strategies for Running Your Business Event Details: Date: Tuesday, October 29 Time: 12-1 pm Location: Zoom Webinar What to Expect: Our First Bank experts will share tips and advice on running your business day-to-day in a dynamic roundtable format moderated by Joe Diggs, SBA Sales Leader. Topics covered include: Cash Management: Efficiently managing your cash flow and financial operations Preventing Fraud: Protecting your business from financial threats Access to Capital: Exploring the best ways to secure funding for growth Growth Strategies: Planning for long-term success Employee Engagement: Building a motivated and dedicated workforce Meet our First Bank Experts: Joe Diggs, SBA Sales Leader Jenna Williams, Director of Treasury Services Rob Patterson, Community Banking Executive Karen Smith, First@Work Business Development Officer Our knowledgeable panel will share their experiences and provide actionable insights, helping you make informed decisions for your business. Whether you’re looking to streamline operations, expand, or improve employee satisfaction, this webinar has something for everyone. How to Register: [Registration closed] Can’t Attend? We’ve Got You Covered We understand that not everyone may be able to attend due to scheduling conflicts or potential disruptions, especially with Hurricane Helene impacting parts of the Carolinas. If you’re unable to join the webinar live, whether due to internet access issues or other conflicts, don’t worry! We will be recording the session, and it will be available for you to view on our website. The recording will be posted shortly after the event, so you can still benefit from the expert insights and strategies discussed. Keep an eye on our website for updates, and feel free to reach out to your local branch for any specific questions you may have after viewing the recording. 2 min read

Am I Eligible for FEMA Relief? Here’s What You Need to Know Who Qualifies for Assistance? Federal disaster aid is available for residents and business owners in the following counties: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey. Not sure if you’re eligible? You can verify your eligibility and apply directly on FEMA’s website: DisasterAssistance.gov. What Assistance Does FEMA Offer? FEMA provides a range of relief programs aimed at helping individuals and businesses recover from disasters. Here’s a closer look at what you may be eligible to receive: 1. Housing Assistance This aid helps you secure safe shelter while your home is being repaired or rebuilt. FEMA can provide funds for: Rental Assistance: Financial support to rent a temporary residence if your home is uninhabitable due to disaster-related damage. Lodging Expense Reimbursement: If you had to stay in a hotel or motel, FEMA can reimburse you for these expenses. This is especially helpful if you were unable to find immediate rental options. Home Repair or Replacement: Grants are available to help repair or replace your home and address disaster-specific damages, such as water damage or mold. FEMA may also cover hazard mitigation measures that reduce the risk of future damage. Accessibility Needs: If you or someone in your household has a disability, FEMA can provide funds to make your home accessible. This might include ramps, grab bars, and other necessary modifications, even if these were not originally present before the disaster. Privately-Owned Roads, Bridges, and Docks: If the only access to your home has been damaged, FEMA can help cover repair costs for private infrastructure like roads and bridges. 2. Other Needs Assistance This program helps with essential expenses and serious needs beyond housing. Covered expenses include: Serious Needs: Grants to cover immediate necessities like food, water, first aid, prescriptions, and personal hygiene items, ensuring you have access to essentials during recovery. Displacement: If your home is uninhabitable, FEMA can help cover the cost of staying with family, friends, or in a hotel while you search for a more permanent solution. Personal Property: Financial assistance to repair or replace items essential to daily life, such as appliances, furniture, and work or school-related items like computers and tools. This can also include uniforms, books, and equipment needed for self-employment. Medical and Dental Expenses: If the disaster caused injury or damaged medical or dental equipment, FEMA can help cover the costs for treatment, equipment replacement, and prescribed medications. Funeral Costs: In the unfortunate event that the disaster resulted in a loss of life, FEMA offers support to cover funeral or reburial expenses. Child Care: For families facing increased child care costs due to the disaster, FEMA can provide funds to help cover these additional expenses. Assistance for Miscellaneous Items: Reimbursement for items like generators, dehumidifiers, and chainsaws that were purchased or rented to aid in the recovery process. Transportation: If your vehicle was damaged and you don’t have an alternative mode of transportation, FEMA may help cover the repair or replacement costs to ensure you have a way to get to work, school, or other essential places. Moving and Storage Expenses: FEMA can help with costs associated with moving and storing personal property, especially if it needs to be relocated temporarily during home repairs or if you need to move to a new residence. Each of these programs is designed to provide immediate and practical support, so you can focus on the well-being of your family and community as you rebuild after the disaster. How Do I Apply for FEMA Assistance? Applying for FEMA relief is straightforward. Here are the steps to get started: Apply Online: Visit DisasterAssistance.gov to apply for assistance. You can also download the FEMA App or call FEMA’s toll-free number at 1-800-621-3362. Register for an Account: If you’re applying online, you’ll need to create an account on Login.gov. This will allow you to save your application, upload documents, and check your status. Prepare Your Information: You’ll need details like your home and mailing address, Social Security number, insurance info, and bank details for direct deposit. Submit Your Application: Once you’ve completed the application, review it, make any necessary changes, and submit it. Be sure to save your application ID as you’ll need it for future communication with FEMA. What Happens After You Apply? After applying, FEMA will review your application and may contact you for additional information or to schedule an inspection. You can always log into your account on DisasterAssistance.gov to check your application status and receive updates. If approved, FEMA will disburse funds via direct deposit or a mailed check, based on your preference. For more information or to begin the application process, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, call FEMA at 1-800-621-3362, or use the FEMA App. Recovering from Disaster with FEMA’s Support If you’re affected by Hurricane Helene, you don’t have to face it alone. FEMA offers a range of programs designed to help you get back on your feet. Take advantage of these resources to help ease the journey to recovery. 5 min read

Protecting Your Business from Counterfeit Currency Know Your Money The first step to fighting back against counterfeit currency is to know the ins and outs of what a legitimate bill looks like. Familiarize yourself with the security features of true U.S. currency so you know what to look out for. You can view examples of all denominations through the U.S. Currency Education Program website. Each note issued by the Federal Reserve includes unique security and design features that are periodically redesigned by the U.S. government to make them more difficult to counterfeit, so make sure you stay up-to-date on what’s new. Feel the Difference Embrace your tactile senses and take time to feel the quality of the cash you are being presented with. U.S. currency paper consists of 25% linen and 75% cotton with red and blue security fibers embedded throughout the paper that is not sold commercially, giving them a unique texture and feel. If you are presented with a bill that feels slick, there’s a good chance it was printed on lower-quality paper and has been counterfeited. In addition to the feel of the paper, genuine bills will have raised ink which adds to their unique feel. 4 min read

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5 Ways to Thank Your Customers Expressing gratitude to your customers is a fundamental aspect of fostering lasting connections and building loyalty. While traditional methods remain effective, let’s explore some creative ways to convey your heartfelt thanks. Here are five thoughtful methods to express your gratitude. 2 min read

4 Questions to Ask Yourself as a Business Owner As a business owner, there are an endless number of questions you could be asking yourself to keep your business on the right path. Here are four questions that successful business owners consider when planning for the future: Am I setting SMART business goals? How can I invest in my staff? What are the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of my business? What does growth look like for my business? Download our printable questionnaire to help you brainstorm ideas for your business as you read this article. 1. Am I setting SMART business goals? Every entrepreneur has aspirations for their business. That’s the easy part. Achieving those goals is where it gets tricky. Have you heard of the SMART acronym? Goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely ensure that you will be more successful in accomplishing them. Think of your SMART goals as the road map to your success. Giving yourself a specific and measurable direction will help to hold yourself accountable. Outlining achievable goals that are relevant to your business will ensure you are moving your business in the right direction, and having a set timeline will encourage you to stop dragging your feet and get moving! Set your own SMART goals Here is an example to get you started: Increase our total number of Instagram followers 15% by the end of the second quarter Social media is a powerful tool for your business. A growing social media community can correlate to a growing bottom line for your business. More followers could mean more potential customers and deepening relationships with current customers. Additionally, your business gains credibility and a competitive edge against other businesses in your industry. Specific Increase how many followers you have on Instagram by 15%. Clearly define the goal and what needs to be achieved clearly and concisely. Avoid broad statements. Measurable Increase in followers from 5,000 in the first quarter to 5,750 in the second quarter. Determine how the goal will be measured so you can track the progress. Establish specific metrics, either something quantitative, a numeric value that can be assigned; or qualitative, based on its overall quality. Achievable You already have someone on staff managing your social media and keeping up 8 min read

Explore Courses to Help Run Your Business

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Growing Your Small Business Take your business to the next level with these growth tips. 5 Topics

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Small Business Essentials Learn the basics of managing a small business. 6 Topics

Streamline how you process payments. View Credit Card Processing

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Accelerate growth and get great benefits. Business Elite Checking

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