Rep. Deutch Announces Over $36 Million in Federal Grants for Local Venues, Operators

Press Release

Today, U.S. Representative Ted Deutch (FL-22) announced that 38 venues, producers, operators, and talent representatives in Florida's 22nd Congressional District will receive a total of over $36.33 million in Shuttered Venue Operators Grants (SVOG) awarded by the U.S Small Business Administration. This program provides support to hard-hit businesses in the music and entertainment sector that were forced to shut their doors due to pandemic restrictions.

See which businesses in FL-22 have been approved as of July 26 for a SVOG award here. Full SVOG awards data here. Note: The Small Business Administration continues to process pending applications.

"I'm pleased to see the Small Business Administration finally approve and issue these grants," said Rep. Deutch. "Live music and performing arts venues, as well as the employees, performers, and contractors that depend on these venues, have been hit incredibly hard by the financial toll of the pandemic. I pushed my colleagues to establish and fund this essential program in our coronavirus aid and relief packages. These grants are important financial lifelines for these struggling local businesses, which contribute to our local economy and the culture of our community."

Background

Rep. Deutch voted to establish the SVOG program as part of the bipartisan COVID-19 relief package passed in December 2020. He also voted for additional funding of the program as part of the American Rescue Plan. The American Rescue Plan also instituted a fix to ensure shuttered venues that received Paycheck Protection Program loans after Dec. 27, 2020 can also receive a Small Venue Operators grant, as long as the grant is reduced by the amount of PPP funds provided. Applying for both grant programs was previously prohibited.

On March 31, Rep. Deutch visited the Broward Center for the Performing Arts to hear from the center's leaders about how they have suffered financially due to the pandemic.

In June, Rep. Deutch joined over 200 bipartisan Members of Congress in calling for the Small Business Administration to expedite the release of funds.

Source