Shuttered Venue Operators Grants Updates

May 11, 2021

The SBA is advising stakeholders that further information about next steps in Shuttered Venue Operators Grants program will continue to be released this week and next. The League participated in a call this afternoon with SVOG administrators. Here are some key updates:

• Today, the SBA posted a new Post-Application FAQ for Shuttered Venue Operators Grants. In a week to 10 days, a more substantial FAQ will be released addressing topics related to grant recipients.
• The SBA expects to issue new, high-level data within the next two days regarding the status of applications received. This data is expected to appear on the Shuttered Venues web page, and will be updated on an ongoing basis. As of today, 11,600 applications have been received. The SBA has specified that funds remain available for new applications. (The latest data in circulation is attached here, but is as of May 7, so is now a bit dated.)
• This week and next, applicants may begin receiving notices if action is needed on an application. Specifically, applicants will be notified if corrections are needed on the Form 4506-T, or if the applicant is on the SBA’s “do not pay” list. There will be an instruction sheet for filling out the Form 4506-T correctly and getting it back to the SBA. If an applicant is on the “do not pay” list, the applicant will be given 30 days to clear their status. In both of these circumstances, the applicant will not lose their place in line as long as a timely response is received.
• While there is not a deadline for closing the application process, all are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Those that have opened an application but not yet submitted it are strongly encouraged to complete applications soon. (If a system/tech issue is preventing progress on your application, please let us know.)
• More information about the exact timing of the awards is still to be confirmed. The SBA is indicating that Priority 1 awards will be announced this month. It is important to note that the announcement of an award is the first step that then leads to fund disbursement. The number of disbursements per grant is based on risk assessment principles, and there will be no more than four disbursements per grant. Within a grant award, grant disbursements will be based on the receipt of required documentation and on accounting for funds spent to-date.
• Information sessions will be held for grantees. Applicants are in the meantime encouraged to consult grants.gov for some basics as the next steps in procedures for SVOG grantees will be similar.
• Applicants are reminded that if there is an error in the application, the application can’t be withdrawn, and a duplicate application is not allowed. SBA grant reviewers will be looking at the entirety of the application using highly intensive manual review process, and will take into account any explanation that was provided in supplemental documents uploaded by applicants.

The League will continue to keep you posted as further information is available in the coming days.