Crist Announces Opening of "save Our Stages" Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Program

Press Release

Today, Congressman Charlie Crist (D-FL) 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 8, 2021. Crist 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.

"Live performance, art, and cultural venues have been hit especially hard by this pandemic," said Crist. "The opening of the Save Our Stages Shuttered Venue Operators Grants program is another pivotal step toward getting performers and staff back to the work they love and revitalizing our economy. These grants will help our local shuttered venue operators put paychecks back in workers' pockets, avoid permanent closures, cover rent payments and more."

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.

Source