Kellie Sugatski, Playing Her Viola, at the East End Beach Last Month.  Please Visit Post herein Dated March 20, 2021 for More Information on Her Remarks.

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D) announced today that more help is here for local business and workers as the Small Business Administration Shuttered Venue Operations Grant (SVOG) program begins accepting applications THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021  Pingree helped secure 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 venues can begin applying for assistance TODAY.

The list of those who can apply includes:  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.

Grants can be used for:  payroll costs, rent payments, utility payments, worker protection expenditures and more.

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.

“Live venues like our concert halls, museums, theaters and movie theaters have been hit especially hard by this pandemic.  They closed down to keep their communities safe, and many still haven’t been able to fully reopen,” said Pingree.  “That’s why I fought for this important relief program, which will be another pivotal step toward crushing this virus, getting people back in jobs and revitalizing our economy.  These grants will help put paychecks back in workers’ pockets, avoid permanent  closures, cover rent payments and eventually restore the much-needed sense of vibrant community these venues have always provided.”