Print
Share page with AddThis

Shuttered Venue Operators Grant to Start Accepting Applications April 8th

Posted on: March 25, 2021 - 4:11pm

The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program was established by the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act, and amended by the American Rescue Plan Act. The SVOG program will provide over $16 billion in economic relief to target industries and is slated to start accepting applications on April 8, 2021. Eligible applicants may qualify for up to 45% of their gross revenue with a maximum award of $10 million. $2 billion is reserved for eligible applicants with up to 50 full-time employees.

Who can apply?

  • Live venue operators or promoters
  • Theatrical producers
  • Live performing arts organization operators
  • Relevant museum operators, zoos and aquariums who meet specific criteria
  • Motion picture theater operators
  • Talent representatives
  • Each business entity owned by an eligible entity that also meets the eligibility requirements

Other Requirements: 

  • Must have been in operation as of February 29, 2020
  • Venue or promoter who received a PPP loan on or after December 27, 2020, will have the SVOG reduced by the PPP loan amount

How to apply?

The Small Business Administration (SBA) is building the grant program and will open for applications on April 8, 2021. 

What can fund be used for?

  • Payroll costs
  • Rent payments
  • Utility payments
  • Scheduled mortgage payments (not including prepayment of principal)
  • Scheduled debt payments (not including prepayment of principal on any indebtedness incurred in the ordinary course of business prior to February 15, 2020)
  • Worker protection expenditures
  • Payments to independent contractors (not to exceed $100,000 in annual compensation per contractor)
  • Other ordinary and necessary business expenses, including maintenance costs
  • Administrative costs (including fees and licensing)
  • State and local taxes and fees
  • Operating leases in effect as of February 15, 2020
  • Insurance payments
  • Advertising, production transportation, and capital expenditures related to producing a theatrical or live performing arts production. (May not be primary use of funds)

How to prepare?

The SBA will host a national informational webinar to highlight the application process on Tuesday, March 30, 2021 from 2:30 PM to 4 PM. Those interested in joining the webinar will need to register for the event.