Congresswoman Cori Bush Announces Opening of Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Program to Support Local Jobs
ST. LOUIS, MO – Today, Congresswoman Cori Bush (MO-01) released a statement on the Small Business Administration’s Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program, which will provide more help to local businesses struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program includes a total of more than $16 billion in grants for shuttered venues.
“Local businesses are essential to both the economy and the culture of our St. Louis community, and we know our local venues have been hit hard as their stages and screens have remained dark for more than a year,” said Congresswoman Cori Bush. “I’m proud to have helped secure these grants to help our shuttered venue operators cover rent payments and put paychecks back in workers’ pockets. This funding will help ensure we do not lose the charm, character, and creativity local venues bring to our communities.”
Venues in Missouri’s First District can begin applying for assistance today.
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
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.
Venue operates can use their grants for:
- Payroll costs
- Rent payments
- Utility payments
- Worker protection expenditures, and more
Click here for a full list of how venue operators can use their grants.
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Congresswoman Cori Bush represents Missouri’s First Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives. She serves on the House Judiciary Committee and the House Committee on Oversight and Reform. She is also a Deputy Whip of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and a proud member of the Congressional Black Caucus. She is a registered nurse, single mother, and an ordained pastor. Following the murder of Michael Brown Jr. by a now-terminated Ferguson police officer, she became a civil rights activist and community organizer fighting for justice for Black lives on the streets of Missouri and across the country.