FDIC sets up hotline for small businesses

The FDIC held a forum on helping small businesses obtain the credit they need, leading to the creation of the hotline and website. 

The FDIC will respond to inquiries about policies and financial institutions it regulates as well as make referrals to other governmental agencies where appropriate, the agency said in a statement.

The small-business hotline went live Thursday and is operational Monday thru Friday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST. 

As part of the kickoff, it also will be open this weekend only, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The toll-free number is 1-855-FDIC-BIZ (1-855-334-2249). To complement the new small-business hotline, the FDIC also created a dedicated website.

The site is: www.fdic.gov/smallbusiness.