CASTEN ANNOUNCES OPENING OF SHUTTERED VENUE OPERATORS GRANT PROGRAM TO SUPPORT LOCAL JOBS
WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Sean Casten (IL-6) announced that more help is here for local businesses and jobs as the Small Business Administration's Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program will begin accepting applications on Thursday, April 8th, 2021. Casten helped secure additional funding for the program as part of the American Rescue Plan's support for small businesses. The program includes a total of over $16 billion in grants for shuttered venues.
- Local venue operators can get more information on how to apply at SBA.gov HERE.
"Earlier in the pandemic, I had the opportunity to meet with locally owned venues, like First Folio Theater, to hear about the struggles they've faced due to COVID-19, said Casten. "Venue operators have been hit hard, and the Shuttered Venue Operators Grants program is a vital step toward getting people back in jobs and revitalizing the economy. These grants will help keep doors open and workers employed."
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
Applicants must have been in operation as of February 29, 2020. A venue or promoter who received a PPP loan on or after December 27, 2020, will have the SVOG reduced by the PPP loan amount. Click here for more information about who can apply.
Venue operates can use their grants for:
- Payroll costs
- Rent payments
- Utility payments
- Worker protection expenditures, and
- More
Click here for a full list of how venue operators can use their grants.