The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has launched a portal where operators of live performing arts groups, museums and other venues can learn about the new Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) application process. Applications will be accepted starting April 8, 2021.

Allowable use of funds:

• Payroll costs
• Rent payments
• Utility payments
• Scheduled mortgage payments (not including prepayment of principal)
• Scheduled debt payments (not including prepayment of principal on any indebtedness incurred in the ordinary course of business before Feb. 15, 2020)
• Worker protection expenditures
• Payments to independent contractors (not to exceed $100,000 in annual compensation per contractor)
• Other ordinary and necessary business expenses, including maintenance costs
• Administrative costs (including fees and licensing)
• State and local taxes and fees
• Operating leases in effect as of Feb. 15, 2020
• Insurance payments
• Advertising, production transportation, and capital expenditures related to producing a theatrical or live performing arts production. (May not be primary use of funds)

Those who have suffered the greatest economic loss will be the first applications processed under the following schedule:

• First priority: First 14 days of grant awards. Entities that suffered a 90 percent or greater revenue loss between April 2020 through December 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Second priority: Next 14 days of grant awards. Entities that suffered a 70 percent or greater revenue loss between April 2020 through December 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Third priority: Beginning 28 days after first and second priority awards are made. Entities that suffered a 25 percent or greater earned revenue loss between one quarter of 2019 and the corresponding quarter of 2020.
• Supplemental funding: Available after all Priority Periods have passed. Recipients of first, second, and third priority round awards who suffered a 70 percent or greater revenue loss for the most recent calendar quarter as of April 1, 2021, or later.

For more information, visit the Small Business Administration webpage.