The US Small Business Administration (SBA) has reopened applications for its Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program. This follows technical issues that resulted in a pause on applications on April 8, giving the SBA time to resolve any problems. The SVOG program is offering $16.2 billion of relief to those operating entertainment-based venues that were shuttered during the pandemic, including live events venues, movie theaters, museums, performing arts programs and more.
The SBA is currently accepting applications for grants on a first-come, first-served basis. The organization is prioritizing facilities that saw a 90-percent loss in revenue between April and December last year. These venues will be awarded grants within the first 14 days of SVOG applications being processed. Companies that saw a 70-percent revenue loss during the same time period will receive grants during the next 14-day cycle. Once those groups have received funding, facilities that experienced a revenue loss of 25 percent or more during a single quarter last year will be eligible for SVOG awards.
SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman emphasized the importance of getting struggling events venues back on their feet, highlighting the impact it will have on the overall economy.
“Concerts, plays, dance performances, movie premieres, museum exhibits — these are the lifeblood of culture and community, and often the anchor for travel, tourism, and neighborhood food and retail stores,” she said. “We know that for the stage and venue operators across the nation that help make this culture happen, the pandemic has been devastating. Too many have been forced to lower the final curtain on their businesses. Today, with more than $16.2 billion available through the Shuttered Venue Operators Grants (SVOG), help is here. The SBA is committed to moving as quickly as possible to deliver this vital funding effectively and equitably — ensuring relief goes to those venue operators whose revenues have been most impacted by the pandemic.”
Further details about the SBA’s SVOG grants, including which venues are eligible to apply and video tutorials, can be found on the organization’s website.
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