SBA’s Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Program Still Taking Applications

August 4, 2021

The Small Business Administration (SBA) is encouraging businesses to apply to its Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program after releasing its most recent list of recipients on August 4.  About half of the $16 billion in funds is still available to businesses, which can apply on the SBA’s website.

The Shuttered Venue Operators grants aim to help theaters, concert venues, and other facilities that have been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic shutdown. As of July 26, 2021, the SBA awarded grants totaling $7.572 billion.  According to the SBA’s list, about 141 Maryland attractions have received grant awards totaling more than $14 million, from just under $14,000 to over $2.3 million.

The following sixteen of those businesses are located in Anne Arundel County.

• Annapolis
  • Annapolis Opera Inc.
  • Annapolis Shakespeare Company, Inc.
  • Ballet Theatre of Maryland Inc.
  • Children’s Theatre of Annapolis
  • International Renaissance Festival, Ltd.
  • Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts Inc.
  • National Artists Corporation
  • Rams Head Promotions of Key West LLC
  • The Annapolis Chorale
  • WM Enterprises Inc.
  • XPEDITION LLC

• Glen Burnie
  • Marley Station Movies Inc.
  • Sun Valley Movies, Inc.

• Hanover
  • Advanced Entertainment Services, Inc.

• Linthicum Heights
  • MOONRISE, LLC
  • Steez Promo Events, LLC

Grants are capped at $10 million and are based on the average monthly gross revenue for each full month a company was operational, then multiplied by six.

Eligible entities include:

• Live venue operators or promoters
• Theatrical producers
• Live performing arts organization operators
• Museum operators
• Motion picture theater operators (including owners)
• Talent representatives

Other requirements of note:

• Must have been in operation as of February 29, 2020
• Venue or promoter who received a PPP loan on or after December 27, 2020, will have the SVOG reduced by the PPP loan amount

Funds can be used for a variety of expenses including payroll, rent, utility payments, scheduled mortgage and debt payments, personal protective equipment, independent contractor payments, administrative costs, state and local taxes and fees, and even insurance and capital expenditures.

Prospective business owners needing help with the application can reach out to counseling partners of the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation (AAEDC):

SCORE – Service Corps of Retired Executives

Maryland Small Business Development Center Network (MDSBDC)

For other questions, please reach out to AAEDC by email at [email protected] .

County Executive Announces New Vaccine Policy for County Employees, Reimplements Mask Requirement in County-Owned Buildings »