WASHINGTON—United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) today applauded the announced opening of the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program and is encouraging Tennessee’s eligible live venue operators and promoters, theatrical producers, live performing arts organization operators, museum operators, zoos and aquariums, motion picture theater operators, and talent representatives to visit the SBA’s website and apply if needed.
“Live performing arts is not just a hobby across Tennessee, it’s a way of life along with many others in the tourism and hospitality industries, but the pandemic has taken an enormous toll,” Senator Hagerty said. “Starting today those that are eligible who need emergency assistance from this bipartisan program can apply and receive the help they need so we can ensure that our state’s thriving creative industry fully recovers. My office is here to assist, and I encourage anyone with questions to reach out.”
Hagerty has continuously pushed the SBA to launch the SVOG program that will provide relief funds that Congress passed on a bipartisan basis in December. In February, Hagerty also convened a virtual roundtable with members of the Tennessee tourism and hospitality industries to discuss the recovery—one of the top requests from attendees was to get the grant program operational.