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What is the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant?
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 equivalent 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.
SVOG provides emergency assistance for eligible performing arts businesses affected by COVID-19.
The SVOG program’s mission is to support the ongoing operations of eligible live venues and operators, live venue promoters, theatrical producers, talent representatives, live performing arts organization operators, museums, and motion picture theaters during the uncertain economic conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. See 15 USCS 9009a(b)(1)(B).
Eligibility
Notice: As of August 20, 2021, SVOG is no longer accepting new applications.
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 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 OR $10 million, whichever is less.
Application information
Frequently Asked Questions: The list of FAQ’s 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.
SVOG-specific information about the IRS form 4506-T
- SVOG-specific version of 4506-T
- Webinar recording: 4506-T instructions
- "Record of No Return" instructions
- Instructions on how to complete the SVOG-specific 4506-T, including:
- Example 4506-T
- Visual instructions
- Detailed, step-by-step instructions
- Checklist
How to clear a "Do Not Pay" hold on your application
Visit the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Do Not Pay - Privacy Program, scroll down to “Data Correction Process,” find the row for the match source, and use the Contact Information on the corresponding row to clear any misinformation. The applicant will have 30 days to provide SBA with information that their name has been cleared from the match source. For more detail, see the post-application guidance.