Durbin Statement on COVID Relief Program for Live-Event Businesses
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today released the following statement after the Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that the $16.25 billion Shuttered Venue Operators (SVO) Grant program would start accepting applications on April 8 from live-event businesses, such as music clubs, theatres, concert venues, and museums that have been affected by the pandemic:
“Illinois’ music venues, theatres, and other live-event spaces have been hit hard by this pandemic. The SVO Grant program can help these businesses – many of which are small or nonprofit – survive the months ahead. We all are eager to return to the small things in life that bring us joy, like attending concerts and planning a movie night with friends. I know that day will soon come.”
In February, Durbin led a letter to SBA to encourage the agency to establish a timely application process, as small businesses and nonprofits are making difficult decisions daily regarding their financial situations.
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