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Sterling, VA – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) announced that more help is here for local businesses and jobs as the Small Business Administration’s Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program will be reopening for applications beginning today, April 26, 2021. Wexton 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.

“Our beloved local theaters, museums, and other venue operators have gone over a year now with little to no business,” said Congresswoman Wexton. “Now, thanks to the American Rescue Plan, help is here to keep their doors open and workers paid. The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program will help these businesses avoid permanent closure, restore jobs in our community, and boost our local economy.”

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 operators 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.

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