Press Releases

MASSACHUSETTS’ SECOND DISTRICT – Today, Congressman James P. McGovern (MA-02), Chairman of the House Rules Committee, announced that more help is here for local businesses and jobs as the Small Business Administration’s Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program will begin accepting applications today. McGovern helped secure the additional funding for the program as part of the American Rescue Plan’s support for small businesses. The program includes a total of over $16 billion nationwide in grants for shuttered venues. Local venue operators can get more information on how to apply here. Applicants must have been in operation as of February 29, 2020. A venue or promoter who received a PPP loan on or after December 27, 2020, will have the SVOG reduced by the PPP loan amount. Click here for more information about who can apply.

“The American Rescue Plan recognizes that venue operators have been hit especially hard by this pandemic. If we want these special places to exist for us to come back to after COVID-19, they need our help now,” said McGovern. “The opening of the Shuttered Venue Operators Grants Program is another crucial step toward crushing this virus, getting people back in jobs and revitalizing our economy. These grants will help shuttered venue operators throughout Massachusetts put paychecks back in pockets, avoid permanent closures, and cover rent payments so that we can all enjoy them once it is safe to do so.”

Who Can Apply:

• Live venue operators or promoters
• Theatrical producers
• Live performing arts organization operators
• Relevant museum operators, zoos and aquariums who meet specific criteria
• Motion picture theater operators
• Talent representatives
• Each business entity owned by an eligible entity that also meets the eligibility requirements

Venue operates can use their grants for:

• Payroll costs
• Rent payments
• Utility payments
• Worker protection expenditures

Click here for a full list of how venue operators can use their grants.

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