WASHINGTON — To more effectively respond to major disasters, paving the way for faster recovery in affected communities, the Small Business Administration and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce have formed a partnership.

Per the agreement, SBA said it will provide information on its disaster recovery program and the agency's resource partners including Women's Business Centers, SCORE, and Small Business Development Center to the Chamber's Business Civic Leadership Center and local chambers of commerce. In addition, SBA will share situation analyses with BCLC and local chambers' during pre-disaster and recovery periods, and share needs and capability assessments in the event of a catastrophic disaster.

To bolster SBA's initial response and post-disaster recovery capacity, the agency said it will work with BCLC to obtain volunteers who can support the agency's disaster assistance process. SBA will also work with BCLC on research studies on post-disaster economic recovery.