SBA Shuttered Venue Operators Grant now accepting applications
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 qualify for grants equal to 45% of their gross earned revenue, with the maximum amount available for a single grant award of $10 million. $2 billion is reserved for eligible applications with up to 50 full-time employees.
Supplemental documents
To assist you with the SVOG application, SBA has prepared the following:
FAQs: The list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) answers common questions about the SVOG program, defines terms, and provides additional guidance. Please refer to and carefully review the FAQs for guidance as you complete the SVOG application.
Application Checklist: The Application Checklist is provided to assist you with gathering and preparing the necessary materials (documentation, information, and technology) needed for the SVOG application. Some of these items will be required, and some are examples of items that can be submitted as supporting evidence. The Application Checklist lists materials needed by all applicants as well as applicant-specific information. The application will direct you as you go through the application portal for your specific applicant type.
Applicant User Guide: The Applicant User Guide is a tool for technical assistance to guide applicants through the SVOG application portal with step-by-step instructions. Screenshots in the User Guide are for illustration purposes only. Content in the application portal will appear differently for different applicants
Who can apply
Eligible entities include:
Live venue operators or promoters
Theatrical producers
Live performing arts organization operators
Museum operators
Motion picture theater operators (including owners)
Talent representatives
Other requirements of note:
Must have been in operation as of February 29, 2020
Venue or promoter who received a PPP loan on or after December 27, 2020, will have the SVOG reduced by the PPP loan amount
Grant amount
Grant amounts will reflect either of the following instances:
For an eligible entity in operation on January 1, 2019, grants will be for an amount equal to 45% of their 2019 gross earned revenue OR $10 million, whichever is less.
For an eligible entity that began operation after January 1, 2019, grants will be for the average monthly gross earned revenue for each full month you were in operation during 2019 multiplied by six (6) OR $10 million, whichever is less.
How to apply
Those who have suffered the greatest economic loss will be the first applications processed under the following schedule:
Note: On January 20, 2021, SBA updated the proposed plan for issuing grants during the first and second priority periods. To clarify, priority awardees will not need to satisfy the small employer set-aside. During the first 59 days of opening SVOG, SBA will reserve no less than $2 billion of program funding for grants to entities that have no more than 50 employees.