A program to help small businesses keep their utilities on is being expanded to help more businesses avoid having their gas or electric service disconnected. The Iowa Economic Development Authority announced Friday that eligibility requirements for the Iowa Small Business Utility Disruption Prevention Program has been expanded to include utility assistance for eligible small businesses and nonprofits for electric and gas service provided between March 17 and Oct. 15. According to a news release, eligible businesses and nonprofits must have experienced a loss of income from the coronavirus pandemic. Applications will be accepted through Oct. 31 or until all funds have been exhausted. The program will provide direct payments ranging from $400 to $7,500 to utility providers to be applied to accounts.The state allocated about $14.5 million of federal CARES Act funds for the program in early July. Eligibility information and the application for assistance are available by clicking here.