New Shuttered Venue Operators Grants Guidance Online as Portal Opens April 8!

April 7, 2021

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has released new guidance to inform the application process for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grants program, which is set to open at 12:00 Noon Eastern on Thursday, April 8.

The SBA and its resource centers are the definitive source of guidance on the application requirements and grant administration details, and all potential applicants are encouraged to carefully review all SBA-issued guidance for the most up-to-date information. Here are some of the newest resources:

SBA Portal Homepage

Latest SBA Frequently Asked Questions – updated April 8, 2021

SVOG Application User Guide – re-posted April 8, 2021 (PDF)
Important Note! An initial version was briefly posted on the Shuttered Venues website and then withdrawn. This link has been updated to point to the newer guide.

Shuttered Venues-Specific Version of IRS Form 4506T

Video Instructions for Form 4506T

Here is a reminder of key tips:

• Prepare to apply as soon as possible — all may apply on the first day of the program. Once the portal opens, applicants can submit an application at any time, regardless whether an organization is within one of the two priority periods. Within priority periods, SBA will process applications in the order received.
• The SBA is advising: “entities should make sure to save frequently, [and] have the SVOG dedicated website – www.sba.gov/svogrant – at the ready to refer to the application user guide, the most up-to-date FAQs, technical support guidance and the March 30, 2021, application information session (under video tutorials) as they go through the application process.”
• Identify your local SBA resource partners now and seek their assistance with questions about the application process. Find local SBA resource partners at www.sba.gov/localassistance.
• It’s worth repeating: Please remember that the Shuttered Venue Operators Grants web page hosted by the SBA will be your definitive source of guidance as the application portal opens.

The League of American Orchestras will continue to also keep you informed of any further updates. Our League overview of the Shuttered Venue Operators Grants program includes further links to SBA resources, and more information on the full array of federal relief options is available in the League’s Federal COVID-19 Relief Resource Center.