SBA announces it will open #SaveOurStages grant applications on April 8

For those venues on tenterhooks about the future of their survival in the wake of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there will hopefully be some relief, as the Small Business Administration has finally announced that grant applications for #SaveOurStages will open on April 8th.

Guest post by Chris Castle of Music Technology Policy

The Small Business Administration has announced that it will open the Small Venue Operators Grant applications on April 8.  Venues can sign up for notification from SBA when the application opens.  There’s also a “how to” page you should read to get ready to apply as well as an FAQ.

According to the SBA press release:

The U.S. Small Business Administration is launching a splash page for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) application portal today in anticipation of opening applications for the much-anticipated critical economic relief program on Thursday, April 8, 2021.

“Help is here for venue operators hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. The SBA has worked diligently to build the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program from the ground up to assist and address the diverse eligibility requirements of each type of applicant and we will open for applications on April 8,” SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman said. “The SBA knows these venues are critical to America’s economy and understands how hard they’ve been impacted, as they were among the first to shutter. This vital economic aid will provide a much-needed lifeline for live venues, museums, movie theatres and many more.”

Prior to the official SVOG application opening, the SBA will host a national informational webinar to highlight the application process for potential eligible entities from 2:30 to 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 30, 2021. Those interested in participating can register here.

Make sure to register for the webinar. As you can see from the “how to apply” timing will be important.