The U.S. Small Business Administration launched an online portal Friday where venues closed by the pandemic can apply for grant money.
The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant is open to operators of movie theaters, live performing arts organizations, relevant museums, zoos and aquariums and others.
Brent Donnelly is the Montana district director for the SBA. He says he’s received calls from operators, "on the edge of their seats," waiting for this program, and encourages any potential applicants to participate in the SBA’s informational webinar on March 30.
For venues that received a Paycheck Protection Program loan on or after December 27, 2020, the SBA says that it will award grants reduced by the amount of the loan.
Businesses that suffered a 90% loss or greater will have first priority in the application process.
The application for the over $16 billion relief program will open on April 8th.
Copyright 2021 Montana Public Radio. To see more, visit .