Shuttered Venue Operator Grant Program

Under the new Emergency Coronavirus Relief Act of 2020 signed into law on December 27, 2020, the Small Business Administration will disburse $15 billion in grants to shuttered venues. Venues may receive grants equal to 45 percent of their gross earned revenue, with a maximum amount of $10 million. There is $2 billion set aside for venues with less than 50 full-time employees.

APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN. View the SBA Form to begin preparing your application.

Eligibility

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 representative
Must have been in operation as of February 29, 2020
May not have received a Paycheck Protection Program loan on or after December 27, 2020

Some businesses may also be eligible for the Paycheck Protection Program or Economic Injury Disaster Loan. To see if you are cross program eligible, view the SBA’s criteria here.

Funds

Funds may be used for specific expenses, which include:

Payroll
Rent
Utilities
Mortgage payment (excluding prepayment of principal)
State and local taxes
Insurance payments
Advertising and capital expenditures related to producing a performance
Personal Protective Equipment

APPLY

Review the SBA’s application checklist or the applicant user guide to prepare your application.

APPLY HERE

For more information

The SBA released a frequently asked questions sheet for quick reference.

Additional guidelines