SBA Launches Portal to Begin Accepting Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Applications on April 8

The U.S. Small Business Administration is launching a splash page for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) application portal 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.”

The SVOG program was established by the Economic Aid to Hard Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits and Venues Act, which appropriated $15 billion for it. The American Rescue Plan Act, signed into law by President Joe Biden on March 11, 2021, appropriated an additional $1.25 billion, bringing the program funding to a total of $16.25 billion, with more than $16 billion allocated for grants.

To ensure eligible venues do not miss a window to receive assistance through the Paycheck Protection Program, the American Rescue Plan Act also amended the SVOG program so entities that apply for a PPP loan after Dec. 27, 2020, can also apply for an SVOG, with the eligible entity’s SVOG to be reduced by the PPP loan amount. The PPP loan applications have been updated to reflect this.

As the SBA builds and prepares to open the program, the dedicated SBA website, www.sba.gov/svogrant, which includes frequently asked questions, video tutorials and other SVOG details, is the best source for information for those looking to apply for a grant. To prepare in advance of the SVOG application portal opening on April 8, potential applicants should get registered in the federal government’s System for Award Management (SAM.gov), as this is required for an entity to receive an SVOG, and reference the preliminary application checklist and eligibility requirements.

Prior to the official SVOG application opening, the SBA will host a national informational webinar to highlight the application process for potential eligible entities.

In the coming days, New York State will be launching Excelsior Pass, a tool that allows New Yorkers and visitors to securely present proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test results. This unique app provides venues and patrons with a secure method to easily present, scan and confirm test and vaccine information to ensure convenient event flow-through. More information about the app is available in this presentation, and we encourage businesses to download and use the app for future events.

We’ll let you know as soon as the Excelsior Pass app is available for download.

Additionally, to make COVID-19 diagnostic testing even more available for New Yorkers, the State recently launched the New York Forward Rapid Test Program. This is a unique public-private partnership to make low-cost rapid testing available to the public to support enhanced economic activity, including weddings, catered events and arts and entertainment venues. Visit NY.gov/RapidTestProgram to learn more about this initiative.

The New York State Department of Health (DOH) is a hub for information about the new NY Forward Rapid Test Program centers – as well as the entire NYS testing network. Visit DOH to find testing sites near you – new locations are being continuously added ​statewide.

Restaurants Outside New York City Can Move to 75% Indoor Capacity. The Food Services guidelines will be updated with this information.

Indoor Family Entertainment Centers Can Open limited to 25% capacity though detailed guidelines have not yet been issued.

Event, Arts and Entertainment Venues Can Reopen, though detailed guidelines have not yet been issued.

11PM Curfew Lifted for Casinos, Movie Theaters, Bowling Alleys, Billiard Halls, Gyms and Fitness Centers

Outdoor Amusement Parks Can Open at 33% capacity though guidelines have not yet been issued.

New Yorkers love to root for the home team, and it was especially difficult to see great professional sports teams close to fans in stands as we implemented restrictions necessary to protect public health. Today I am pleased to announce that baseball is coming back to New York and fans will be able to attend games in-person. On April 1, the New York Mets and New York Yankees can resume playing with spectators in the stadiums. Professional sports in large outdoor stadiums that hold 10,000 people or more will be allowed to reopen at 20 percent capacity. Attendees must show proof of a recent negative test or completed vaccination series prior to entry and are subject to strict state guidance on face coverings, social distancing and health screenings. Vaccination efforts at both Yankee Stadium and Citi Field will still continue during the MLB season.

Of the 271,463 tests reported yesterday, 7,796, or 2.87 percent, were positive. There were 934 patients in ICU yesterday, down 20 from the previous day. Of them, 590 are intubated. Sadly, we lost 57 New Yorkers to the virus.

Over the past 24 hours, 146,518 total doses have been administered. To date, New York administered 7,150,352 total doses with 12.4 percent of New Yorkers completing their vaccine series. See data by region and county on the State’s Vaccine Tracker: ny.gov/vaccinetracker.