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City and state relief updates: $2B boost to California small-business grant program; local venue recovery fund moving forward
Summary
OEWD staff reported a $2 billion supplemental allocation for California's small-business COVID relief grant program; highlighted proposed bills (SB 314 and SB 389), a mayoral commitment of $1.5M for entertainment venues and the Board of Supervisors' approval of a venue recovery fund implemented by the Office of Small Business.
Ben Van Houten of the Office of Economic and Workforce Development updated the commission on federal, state and local relief affecting nightlife and entertainment venues.
State grants: Van Houten said the California small-business COVID relief grant program (which provides awards up to $25,000) initially had $500 million allocated; new legislation provided an additional $2 billion to that program. He said many applicants were wait-listed and communication has been limited; staff advised patience as the program scales up.
Legislation: Van Houten highlighted two state bills under consideration. SB 314 (authored by Sen. Scott Wiener) would create a permanent framework enabling outdoor alcohol service and would establish a new liquor-license type for entertainment venues, plus allow localities to adopt open-consumption areas. SB 389 (authored by Sen. Dodd) would make some emergency to-go alcohol rules permanent for restaurants as currently drafted (the bill as described would not extend the to-go provisions to bars).
Local relief: The mayor committed $1.5 million of previously announced relief funding specifically for entertainment venues; Van Houten said the Office of Small Business will implement the Board of Supervisors-approved venue recovery fund and develop regulations and guidance in consultation with the Entertainment Commission and stakeholders.
Shuttered Venue Operators (SVO) grants: Van Houten said there was no new information on application timing for the federal SVO grants. He urged venues to register with the System for Award Management, obtain a DUNS number and gather supporting documents (employee counts, revenue-loss reports, floor plans) so they can apply quickly when the portal opens.
Van Houten said OEWD and the Entertainment Commission will continue outreach to make application information accessible.
