Venue operators who have had to shut down now are eligible for additional federal funding, according to U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, D-3rd Dist.
Rep. Davids helped secure additional federal funding through the American Rescue Plan for venue businesses that have been hurt by COVID-19. The program includes over $16 billion in grants for shuttered venues.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has forced Venue Operators to close their doors, forgoing revenue that they rely upon to pay their bills and employees,” Rep. Davids said. “With the passage of the American Rescue Plan, these businesses now have access to funding through the Venue Operators Grants program which, along with our national vaccine plan, will help return our economy to normal. This federal funding will help venue operators open their doors once again and provide paychecks for employees.”
Among those who can apply are live venue operators or promoters; theatrical producers; live performing arts organization operators; relevant museum operators, zoos and aquariums that meet specific criteria; motion picture theater operators; talent representatives; and each business entity owned by an eligible entity that also meet the eligibility requirements.
Applicants must have been in operation as of Feb. 29, 2020. A venue or promoter who received a PPP loan on or after Dec. 27, 2020, will have the SVOG reduced by the PPP loan amount.
Venue operators may use their grants for payroll costs, rent payments, utility payments, worker protection expenditures and more.
In order to highlight how the American Rescue Plan is already helping Kansas, this week Rep. Davids is on tour visiting local vaccination sites, health clinics, small businesses, and schools in her district. The American Rescue Plan, which Rep. Davids voted to support, is putting shots in arms, money in pockets, children in schools, and people in jobs, according to the congresswoman.
The SVOG grant portal is at https://www.svograntportal.sba.gov/s/. Those interested are asked to register for an application account while the grant application portal is preparing to open.
More information about SBA assistance programs for those affected by COVID-19 is at https://www.sba.gov/.