DES MOINES — The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) announced that more Iowa small business owners and nonprofits are now eligible to receive financial assistance with electric and natural gas utility bills.
Eligibility criteria for the Iowa Small Business Utility Disruption Prevention Program has been expanded to include utility assistance for eligible small businesses and nonprofits for electric or natural gas service provided between March 17, and Oct. 15.
Eligible small businesses and nonprofits must have experienced a COVID-19 loss of income. Full eligibility information and the application is available at iowabusinessrecovery.com. The program will accept applications through Oct. 31 or until all funds have been exhausted.
The program will provide short-term relief in the form of direct payments to utility providers to be applied to accounts. A minimum of $400 and up to $7,500 can be applied toward utility bill costs for eligible small businesses and nonprofits. The state allocated approximately $14.5 million of federal CARES Act funds for the program when launched in early July.
“We’re pleased to announce the extension and expansion of the utility assistance available to COVID-19 impacted small businesses and nonprofits as they work tirelessly to recover from the far-reaching impacts of the unparalleled pandemic,” said IEDA and Iowa Finance Authority Executive Director Debi Durham.
Questions regarding the Iowa Small Business Utility Disruption Prevention Program can be addressed by calling 515-348-8914 or toll free: 855-300-2342.