The SBA on Thursday opened the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant, or SVOG, application portal for operators of live venues, live performing arts organizations, museums and movie theatres, as well as live venue promoters, theatrical producers and talent representatives to apply for economic relief. The now-eligible entities are some of the first that had to shutter their doors a year ago in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The SVOG program was appropriated more than $16.2 billion for grants via the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits and Venues Act and the American Rescue Plan Act.

Prior to Thursday’s opening for SVOG applications, the SBA hosted a national informational webinar to highlight the application process for potential eligible entities. The agency also  provided recurrent program updates and information via frequently asked questions, video tutorials, an application checklist and eligibility requirements through SBA’s SVOG website.

Additionally, SBA’s resource partners, including SCORE Mentors, Small Business Development Centers, Women’s Business Centers and Veterans Business Outreach Centers, are available to provide entities with individual guidance on their applications. Applicants can find a local resource partner via SBA’s website or via zip code.