SBA opens economic relief grant application for venues

On Thursday, the U.S. Small Business Administration opened the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) application portal.

The SVOG program was appropriated more than $16.2 billion for grants. Those eligible for grant funding include operators of live venues, live performing arts organizations, museums and movie theatres. Also included are live venue promoters, theatrical producers and talent representatives.

Funding for grants was gathered via the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits and Venues Act and the American Rescue Plan Act.

Of these funds, at least $2 billion is reserved for eligible SVOG applications with up to 50 full-time employees. Eligible applicants may qualify for grants equal to 45 percent of their gross earned revenue up to a maximum amount of $10 million for a single grant.

“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,” SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman 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, help is here.”