SVOG Application Update and Timeline

from the Performing Arts Alliance

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has shared important news regarding the Shuttered Venue Operator Grants (SVOG) program:

As you may be aware, the opportunity to apply for an initial SVOG award will close on August 20, 2021. If your organization is considering applying for an award, please visit the SBA SVOG FAQ's page for eligibility and application requirements. If your organization has been preparing an application and has not yet submitted, please note this deadline for completion! The SBA will continue to process initial grant applications received by August 20, as the agency begins to open the appeal, reconsideration, and supplemental processes.

If you have already submitted an application and were denied, an invitation to appeal the decision was sent on August 2. Invitations to have your approved grant amount reconsidered will be issued beginning on August 4. If your award amount was less than anticipated in your proposed SVOG budget, you will receive a reconsideration invitation from the SBA. Applicants will have a two-week timeframe to respond to these invitations.

All SVOG applicants will be given an opportunity to update their Q1 calendar 2021 earned revenue figures before August 23, to better inform the SBA process for determining eligibility for supplemental awards. To be eligible for the supplemental award process, applicants must demonstrate a 70% or greater earned revenue decline, comparing earned revenue in the first calendar quarter of 2021 to the first calendar quarter of 2019. The SBA is aware that complete 2021 earned revenue information may not have been available when submitting the original application, and will create a process for all applicants to update those figures.

During the week of August 23, the SBA will invite all applicants eligible for a supplemental award to accept a second SVOG grant. Supplemental Grant offers will be in an amount equal to 50% of the applicant's original grant award amount, before any deduction was taken for Paycheck Protection Program funding received in 2021. (Reminder: the combined amount received through a first and supplemental SVOG award may not exceed $10 million.)

For additional information, please refer to the SBA SVOG webpages or contact your PAA Member Group.

Sending you best wishes, as we begin the return to live performances and participation.

The Performing Arts Alliance (PAA) is a 501c4 multi-disciplinary coalition of national service organizations from the professional nonprofit performing arts field. Through legislative and grassroots action, PAA advocates before the U.S. Congress and key policy makers for national policies that enhance and foster the contributions the performing arts make to America.