Updates on Funding and Resources

Shuttered Venue Operators Grant

The Shuttered Venue Operators (SVO) Grant was signed into law on December 27, 2020 under the Consolidated Appropriations Act. The program is administered by SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance. Highlights include: $15 billion available in grants for shuttered venues to use for certain operating procedures. The program has not been rolled out yet, therefore applications are still not being accepted. Once the program opens, applications will be processed in order, beginning with hardest-hit entities. Eligible entities include: Live venue operators or promoters Theatrical producers Live performing arts organization operators Relevant museum operators, zoos, and aquariums Motion picture theater operators Talent representatives Each business entity owned by an eligible entity that also meets eligibility requirements Requirements to qualify: Must have been in operation as of Feb. 29, 2020 Must not have applied for, or received, a PPP loan on or after December 27, 2020 Note: Businesses who think they may qualify for the SVO grant and are thinking of applying should hold off on applying for PPP since that will make them ineligible for SVO. (That being said, keep in mind that the deadline to submit your application for PPP is March 31, 2021). You can find more details on the SVO grant program here.

Funding Opportunity for NH Food, Beverage, & Lodging Workers

The New Hampshire Hospitality Employee Relief Fund (NHHERF) was launched by the New Hampshire Lodging & Restaurant Association (NHLRA) and the New Hampshire Lodging & Restaurant Association Education Foundation to give financial support to employees of the hospitality industry who have been impacted by COVID-19. Examples of eligible employment include:  Restaurants Fast, casual, or quick-service establishments Bars Cafeterias Nightclubs Wineries and breweries which offer beverage tastings Lodging property employees Food Kiosks or similar establishments Venues that offer event services such as conference centers, golf courses, and ski resorts Commissioned Food and Beverage Sales Representatives   Funding is restricted to the use of housing and living expenses and/or medical expenses. In addition to submitting an application, you must provide a copy of your two most recent pay stubs. You I’m can find more details on eligibility, as well as the application, here.

SBDC’s Business Resiliency Survey (Phase 2) – Deadline is Feb. 15 SBDC has launched this survey in order to learn about the challenges the business community is expecting to face as we move forward. The results will allow them to figure out the best ways to assist in the State’s ongoing recovery efforts, so I would highly encourage you to take it. You can find the survey here.

Resiliency Academy for Businesses and Communities UNH Extension and NH Small Business Development Center are partnering to offer a Resiliency Academy for small businesses, bringing together business owners and community leaders to work toward a resilient future. Click here to learn more or sign up. Registration is free!  Dates: April 7, April 21, May 5, May 19, & June 2, 2021 Time: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Sincerely,  Natalie Moles Economic Recovery Coordinator   Strafford Regional Planning Commission 150 Wakefield Street, Suite 12 Rochester, NH 03867   603-994-3500 ext. 113 nmoles@strafford.org www.strafford.org