More Help Available for Venues Impacted by COVID-19 (Shuttered Venue)

Relief may soon be available to artistic venues impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program, venues affected by the pandemic may be eligible for grants equal to 45 percent of their gross earned revenue, with $10 million being the maximum amount available for a single grant award. The SVOG program was created in December 2020 as part of the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act, P.L. 116-260. The program was initially funded with $15 billion and will receive an additional $1.25 billion under the American Rescue Plan Act, H.R. 1319. Eligible entities covered under the program include: 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 Each business entity owned by an eligible entity that also meets the eligibility requirements Qualified entities must also have been in operation as of February 28, 2020, and have applied for or received a loan under the Paycheck Protection Program on or after December 27, 2020. Grant funds may be used for expenses, which include: 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...