The U.S. Small Business Administration is encouraging art and entertainment venues eligible to apply for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) to prepare in advance by getting registered in the federal government's System for Award Management (SAM) at SAM.gov. The SVOG application portal opens on April 8th and SAM registration is required for an entity to receive an SVOG. When signing up be sure to reference the preliminary application checklist and eligibility requirements. 

The SVOG program was established by the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act, which appropriated $15 billion for it. The American Rescue Plan Act, signed into law by President Joe Biden on March 11, 2021, appropriated an additional $1.25 billion, bringing the program funding to a total of $16.25 billion, with more than $16 billion allocated for grants.

To ensure eligible venues do not miss a window to receive assistance through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), the American Rescue Plan Act also amended the SVOG program so entities that apply for a PPP loan after Dec. 27, 2020, can also apply for an SVOG, with the eligible entity’s SVOG to be reduced by the PPP loan amount. 

As the SBA builds and prepares to open the program, the dedicated SBA website, www.sba.gov/svogrant, which includes frequently asked questions, video tutorials, and other SVOG details, is the best source for information for those looking to apply for a grant. 

President Joe Biden has signed the PPP Extension Act of 2021 into law, giving small businesses two additional months to apply for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan. Small businesses now have until May 31, 2021, to apply, then the Small Business Administration (SBA) will have an additional 30-day period to process applications that are still pending.

For PPP updates and to apply find the Paycheck Protection Program on the SBA website.

Economic development projects often bring new contract opportunities for local small suppliers who are seeking to participate in infrastructure upgrades, housing improvements, community engagement, attracting tourists, and more. Clark County is planning ahead for the possibility of such projects in the coming years. County Commissioners are in the early stages of determining how to prioritize and fund redevelopment efforts in communities that are experiencing economic decline--commonly referred to as blight or redevelopment areas. On March 2nd, Commissioners accepted a report on the feasibility of reinstating a County Redevelopment Agency (RDA) to handle future projects.

Government entities often establish RDAs to help improve blight areas, a route the County has taken in the past. Generally, an RDA is used to invest a portion of existing tax revenues to fund improvements in blight areas. The improvements can increase property values, boost local tax revenues, and strengthen the economy. In 2009, Commissioners voted to suspend the County's current RDA after deciding funds allocated could be used differently. After the suspension, the agency's resources were redirected to fund education, health care, and safety.

For a detailed analysis of the County’s redevelopment options, including existing and potential redevelopment areas in unincorporated Clark County, download the full feasibility analysis from the County’s website.

If you have thoughts on redevelopment and would like to provide feedback you can contact the County Commissioner who represents your district.

The next BDAC meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 14, 2021. To keep up with the meeting schedule, agendas, and minutes visit the BDAC page of the County's website.