SBA To Host Webinar For Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Jan. 14 Detailing #SOS Relief


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The U.S. Small Business Administration is hosting a webinar Jan. 14, at 12 p.m. PST, to give a preliminary overview of the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program included in the relief bill signed into law on Dec. 27 that allocates $15 billion toward the live business. 

Registration is required through Eventbrite at https://shutteredvenueoperatorsgrant.eventbrite.com.   The panel discussion will include Barb Carson, Deputy Associate Administrator, SBA Office of Disaster Assistance, Patricia Gibson, Senior Advisor, SBA Office of Disaster Assistance, and Bill Briggs, Acting Associate Administrator, SBA Office of Capital Access, according to the release. 
The relief bill, which includes the Save Our Stages act, is a victory for much of the independent live music sector, largely spearheaded by the National Independent Venue Association that formed shortly after the coronavirus pandemic shut down the greater live music business almost completely in March of 2020.  The news comes after months of pleading with government officials and more than 3,000 member venues joining NIVA, including the National Independent Talent Organization, largely made up of independent talent agencies.  
Those able to apply for grants along with venue operators include talent agents, managers and in some cases promoters or talent buyers, artists and other related companies if meeting certain requirements. 
The webinar will presumably answer detail these requirements and more as NIVA works to educate eligible parties of how to apply for grants or other relief.