Skip to Content

Press Release

Rep. Castor Announces Opening of Shuttered Venue Operators Grant

Through the American Rescue Plan, Castor Helped Secure Additional Funding for Local Venue Businesses Hurt by COVID-19

Washington, April 27, 2021

Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) announced that more help is here for Tampa Bay businesses and jobs as the Small Business Administration’s Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program has begun accepting applications. Castor secured 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 in grants for shuttered venues.

Local venue operators can get more information on how to apply at SBA.gov HERE.                                                                                                                 

“The vibrant arts and hospitality community in Tampa has been hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. I have worked closely with our local venues to ensure that federal emergency aid meets their needs in this difficult time,” said Castor. “The opening of the Shuttered Venue Operators Grants program is another pivotal step toward crushing this virus, getting people back in jobs and revitalizing our local economy. These grants will help our local shuttered venue operators put paychecks back in workers’ pockets and keep them connected to health care, avoid permanent closures, cover rent payments and more. As we ramp up COVID-19 vaccinations across the country, I am hopeful that we’ll see the places we know and love in Tampa bounce back quickly as the American Rescue Plan aid is distributed.”

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

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