Many small business owners whose companies were hit by Hurricane Florence are embarking on an uncertain path to recovery.

First, they need to assess the damage to their companies, which could be difficult given the extensive flooding caused by the storm.

Even while doing that, they also need to reach out to customers, vendors and employees to maintain those relationships.

FILE- In this Sept. 15, 2018, file photo a special announcement for "Hurricane Hours" is displayed on a shop window as the remnants of Hurricane Florence slowly move across the East Coast in Columbia, S.C. Small business owners whose companies were hit by Hurricane Florence are embarking on what will be for many an uncertain path, recovering and getting their businesses up and running again. (AP PhotoSean Rayford, File)

FILE- In this Sept. 15, 2018, file photo a special announcement for "Hurricane Hours" is displayed on a shop window as the remnants of Hurricane Florence slowly move across the East Coast in Columbia, S.C. Small business owners whose companies were hit by Hurricane Florence are embarking on what will be for many an uncertain path, recovering and getting their businesses up and running again. (AP PhotoSean Rayford, File)

If possible, an owner will want to get the business up and running again, even on a limited basis.

And if an owner is tempted to hire any contractor off the street to get their business rebuilt quickly, experts say don't do it. Any contractor should be vetted, or the business owner runs the risk of hiring someone who can't do the job.

FILE- In this Sept. 15, 2018, file photo flood waters from hurricane Florence inundate the town of Engelhard, N.C. Small business owners whose companies were hit by Hurricane Florence are embarking on what will be for many an uncertain path, recovering and getting their businesses up and running again. (AP PhotoSteve Helber, File)

FILE- In this Sept. 15, 2018, file photo flood waters from hurricane Florence inundate the town of Engelhard, N.C. Small business owners whose companies were hit by Hurricane Florence are embarking on what will be for many an uncertain path, recovering and getting their businesses up and running again. (AP PhotoSteve Helber, File)

 FILE- In this Sept. 16, 2018, file photo a backhoe moves through the streets inundated with floodwaters from Hurricane Florence in Trenton, N.C. Small business owners whose companies were hit by Hurricane Florence are embarking on what will be for many an uncertain path, recovering and getting their businesses up and running again. (AP PhotoSteve Helber, File)

FILE- In this Sept. 16, 2018, file photo a backhoe moves through the streets inundated with floodwaters from Hurricane Florence in Trenton, N.C. Small business owners whose companies were hit by Hurricane Florence are embarking on what will be for many an uncertain path, recovering and getting their businesses up and running again. (AP PhotoSteve Helber, File)

 FILE- In this Sept. 16, 2018, file photo, farm equipment is surrounded by floodwaters in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence near Trenton, NC. Small business owners whose companies were hit by Hurricane Florence are embarking on what will be for many an uncertain path, recovering and getting their businesses up and running again. (AP PhotoSteve Helber, File)

FILE- In this Sept. 16, 2018, file photo, farm equipment is surrounded by floodwaters in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence near Trenton, NC. Small business owners whose companies were hit by Hurricane Florence are embarking on what will be for many an uncertain path, recovering and getting their businesses up and running again. (AP PhotoSteve Helber, File)