The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) has launched two new programs to help businesses and non-profits during COVID-19. Officials say the Small Business Utility Disruption Prevention Program will assist small businesses and non-profits economically impacted by COVID-19. The program will cover utility bills for service provided during the months of disruption to their business.

Eligibility:

• Iowa-based for profit and nonprofit businesses with 50 or fewer employees
• Must have a physical location (non-residential) in Iowa
• Must be registered with the Iowa Secretary of State to do business in the State of Iowa (or with the County Recorder for sole proprietors)
• Must not be an ineligible business type:
  Adult Entertainment; Construction, Internet Sales, without corresponding storefront; Medical; Private Clubs, Professional Services; Professional Sports; Religious Institutions, with the exception of those offering social services including daycare, food bank, preschool, shelter, etc.
• Have not received funds provided by the State of Iowa’s Small Business Relief Grant (SBRG) funding
• Have not received any funds provided by the State of Iowa’s Nonprofit Recovery Fund
• Must have experienced a COVID-19 loss of revenue on or after March 17, 2020, that resulted in unpaid bills for electric or natural gas utility service provided between March 17, 2020, and June 30, 2020
• Applicants’ average monthly electric usage must not exceed 25,000 kWh for electricity or 2,500 therms for natural gas (review with your utility bill and/or contact your utility provider to confirm)
• Businesses must be open

To learn more or to apply, visit https://www.iowaeconomicdevelopment.com/Business/energy-recovery. The deadline to apply is August 21, or till funds are exhausted.

The Iowa Non-Profit Recovery Fund will provide short-term relief to non-profit organizations that have seen reduced revenue and/or increased costs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible non-profits may be awarded a grant of up to $25,000 based on income, expenses, outstanding obligations and other state and federal assistance received.

To be eligible:

• Must be a 501(c)(3), 501(c)(6) or 501(c)(19) based in Iowa
• Experienced a documented, involuntary loss of revenue and/or increase in expenses that occurred after March 1, 2020 due to COVID-19.
• Annual operating budget of more than $25,000
• Twenty-five or fewer full-time equivalent employees
• A primary mission to serve the program’s priority service populations

For more information or to apply, visit www.iowabusinessrecover.com. The application deadline is August 14 at 5 PM and is a first come, first serve basis grant.