Shuttered Venue Operators Grants

Overview

Revised August 30, 2021

As of August 20, 2021, the SBA is no longer accepting new SVOG applications.

This was a new 2021 Small Business Administration grant program for live venue businesses who were shuttered during Covid-19 pandemic.

Who is eligible?

  • Live venue operators (fixed seats, ticket sales, public promotion), promoters, theatrical producers, live performing arts operators, museum operators, motion picture operators, and talent reps.
  • Must be in operation on Feb 29, 2020.
  • SBA is answering eligibility questions by email to SVOGrant@sba.gov.
  • Note that SVOG applicants may also receive PPP Loan in 2021. Previously this was not allowed, but this rule has been changed in the new American Rescue Plan Act.
  • SVOG applicants may also receive the EIDL loan but the proceeds must not be used for the same purposes as the EIDL loan.
  • SVOG applicants may also receive PPP loans/grants.

Grant Amount

  • 45% of gross earned revenue if in operation on January 1, 2019
  • If venue in operation after Jan 1, 2019, calculate average monthly gross revenue for full months during 2019 and multiply by six.
  • Grant amount may be reduced by your 2021 PPP loan amount.

Allowable Uses of Grant Funds

  • Payroll
  • Occupancy (Rent, utilities, mortgage) -Leases in effect as of 2-15-20,
  • Insurance
  • Advertising
  • Expenses related to production
  • Administrative costs (including fees and licensing)
  • Debt payments incurred in ordinary course of business prior to 2.15.20
  • Worker protection costs
  • Indep. Contractors (not to exceed $100K)
  • Ordinary and necessary business expenses, including state and local taxes

How to Apply for Grant:

  • Entities that suffered a 90% or greater gross revenue loss between April 2020 through December 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic will be given priority within the first 14 days of grant awards.
  • Entities that suffered a 70% or greater gross revenue loss between April 2020 through December 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic will be given priority during the next 14 days of grant awards.
  • Beginning 28 days after first and second priority awards are made, entities that suffered a 25% or greater earned revenue loss between one quarter of 2019 and the corresponding quarter of 2020 may apply.
  • After all priority periods have passed, recipients of the first, second, and third priority round awards who have suffered a 70% or greater revenue loss for the most recent calendar quarter (as of April 1, 2021, or later) may apply for for supplemental funding.
  • SVOG is administered by the SBA Office of Disaster Assistance (ODA)
  • Grantees will be required to maintain documentation demonstrating their compliance with the eligibility and other requirements of the SVOG program.

Resources: