Update on Shuttered Venue Operators (SVO) Grant

The Shuttered Venue Operators (SVO) Grant was created as part of the COVID-19 Relief Bill passed in December 2020. The purpose of the SVO Grant was to assist venue operators who lost revenue due to the pandemic.

***UPDATE***

SBA has set a date of April 8, 2021 to start accepting applications for SVO Grants. 

For more information, register for a free webinar by the SBA on March 30, 2021:

Register for SBA Webinar

The SBA also announced that potential SVOG applicants will be required to register at SAM.gov prior to submitting an SVOG application.

Learn more about the SVO Grant

Previously, a qualified entity could not apply for both a PPP loan and an SVO Grant. They had to choose between accepting a PPP loan, which is a smaller dollar amount, or take their chances on receiving a larger SVO Grant. Obviously, this puts applicants in a bind.

With the passing of the American Rescue Plan Act, eligible venues can now potentially receive both PPP loans and an SVO Grant.

Who’s Eligible for the SVO Grant?

The following is a list of some eligible entities for the SVO Grant:

• Operators of Live Venues
• Museums
• Theaters
• Promoters
• Live Performing Arts Organizations
• Zoos
• Aquariums
• Theatrical Producers

When Can You Apply?

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has created a schedule for processing applications for SVO Grants:

• First Priority (First 14 days): Venues suffering more than 90% revenue loss between April and December of 2020
• Second Priority (Next 14 days): Venues suffering more than 70% revenue loss between April and December of 2020
• Third Priority (28 days after First and Second Priority grants are awarded): Venues suffering more than 25% revenue loss between April and December of 2020
• Supplemental Funding (Available after all priority periods are completed): Venues who have suffered more than 70% revenue loss for the most recent calendar quarter (4/1/2021 or later)

Learn more about eligibility requirements for SVO Grants

Additional Information

There is much more information regarding the SVO Grant but we wanted to give some highlights so that venue owners can start preparing to take advantage of this grant to help them get back in business. The information is still fluid, so use the links below to keep up to date:

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Preliminary Application Checklist
• Allowable Use of SVO Grant Funds
• Video Tutorials

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