The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program was established by the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act, and amended by the American Rescue Plan Act. The program includes over $16 billion in grants to shuttered venues, to be administered by SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance.
Eligible applicants may receive grants covering up to 45% of their gross earned revenue, with the maximum single grant award of $10 million. A dedicated $2 billion fund is set aside for qualifying applicants employing 50 or fewer full-time workers.
Key Facts About the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG)
Initially introduced under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, the SVOG program was designed to support live venues affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Grant applications were originally scheduled to open on April 8, 2021.
- The program offers over $16 billion in aid, with individual grants capped at $10 million or 45% of gross earned revenue, whichever is lower.
- A $2 billion reserve was specifically earmarked for applicants with 50 or fewer full-time employees.
- Applications are categorized into three priority tiers, based on the extent of COVID-19-related revenue losses, ranging from 25% to over 90%.
- Funds were expected to begin distribution before the end of April 2021.
- Grant funds are limited to designated, approved expenses only.
- You can also explore more insights through the Federal Reserve SMB lending publication.
Who Can Apply for an SVOG?
The following types of entities are eligible:
- Operators or promoters of live venues
- Theatrical production companies
- Organizations operating live performing arts venues
- Museums
- Motion picture theater (including ownership entities)
- Talent agencies and representatives
Additional Conditions:
- Must have been in operation as of February 29, 2020
- If the entity received a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan after December 27, 2020, the SVOG award will be reduced by the PPP loan amount.
Who is Not Eligible?
Even if your venue meets many requirements, it would be disqualified if:
- It lacks a business presence in the United States, does not primarily operate within the country, or fails to contribute meaningfully to the U.S. economy (e.g., through taxes or domestic labor).
- Operations did not begin by February 29, 2020.
- It is publicly traded or majority-owned/controlled by a publicly traded entity.
- It offers adult entertainment or sells products/services of a prurient nature.
- More than 10% of its 2019 gross income came from federal government contracts (excluding disaster relief).
- It manages or owns multiple venues across more than one country and over ten states and had more than 500 employees as of February 29, 2020.
- It is affiliated with five other organizations that have already received SVOG awards.
- It is a museum, and its affiliated museums have collectively received the maximum $10 million in funding.
Important Note: The SBA temporarily paused the SVOG application portal, initially planned for April 8, 2021, due to technical issues. The agency will issue a new opening date and time in advance to allow all potential applicants to prepare. Meanwhile, registration for new accounts remains open.
For complete and current information on the SVOG program, please refer to the official IRS website.