[Missouri Department of Economic Development](https://ded.mo.gov)

July 31, 2023

Total allocation: $2,200,000 | Maximum award: $100,000 per applicant

Supports Missouri entertainment venues and related entities in recovering from COVID-19 by funding expansion, upgrades, and operational improvements.

Program is now closed; awards were made on a first-come, first-served basis.

--- ## Description The Entertainment Industry Grant Program was established to aid the recovery of Missouri's entertainment sector from the economic impacts of COVID-19. The program targeted existing entertainment venues and related businesses, providing financial support for expansion, upgrades, and operational improvements. The goal was to help organizations overcome pandemic-related setbacks and continue contributing to Missouri’s cultural and economic landscape. Eligible entities included entertainment venues, art centers, museums, and for-profit businesses closely tied to the entertainment industry. --- ## Due Dates - July 31, 2023: Application close date / Full application deadline (Round 2) *Note: The application cycle for this program has closed. All awards have been made.* --- ## Funding Amount - Total program allocation: $2,200,000 - Maximum award per applicant: $100,000 - Awards were distributed on a first-come, first-served basis until funds were expended. --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants included: - Entertainment venues and businesses adjacent to the entertainment industry (at least 51% of revenue from entertainment-related activity) - Must be Missouri-based and operating in Missouri - Must employ 50 or fewer full-time employees (defined as working 35+ hours/week) - Must have experienced a negative economic impact as a direct result of COVID-19 (demonstrated by a revenue loss of at least $10,000 from 2019 to 2021) - Must have been in operation in Missouri prior to January 1, 2020, and currently operating - If required, must be registered and in good standing with the Missouri Secretary of State and enrolled in E-Verify - Must have a Missouri Tax ID Number and Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) - Must submit a Vendor Input Form or have a State of MO vendor account Additional notes: - Nonprofits and for-profits were eligible if they met the above criteria. - Entities that received ARPA Small Business or Nonprofit Grant funding from DED were not eligible. - No minimum employee count; organizations run solely by volunteers were eligible. --- ## Application Process - Applications for Round 2 opened on June 22, 2023, and closed on July 31, 2023. - Applications were submitted via Submittable ([www.submittable.com](http://www.submittable.com)). - Required documentation included proof of revenue loss (2019 and 2021 tax/990 filings), proof of Missouri operation, and relevant business registrations. - Awards were made on a first-come, first-served basis; the program closed once total requests exceeded $2,200,000. --- ## Additional Information - The program is now closed and all funds have been awarded. - Applicants who received SBA, SVOG, or PPP funding were eligible, but those who received ARPA Small Business or Nonprofit Grant funding from DED were not. - Seasonal and part-time employees did not count toward the 50 full-time employee limit. - Additional resources for entertainment venues in Missouri may be available through other state, national nonprofit, and federal grant programs. --- ## External Links - [Program Page](https://ded.mo.gov/programs/community/entertainment-industry-grant-program) - [Program Guidelines – Round 2 (PDF)](https://ded.mo.gov/media/pdf/entertainment-industry-grant-program-guidelines-round-2) - [FAQs (PDF)](https://ded.mo.gov/sites/g/files/zuston466/files/media/pdf/2023/06/Entertainment-Industry-Grant-Program-FAQs-6-15-23.pdf) - [Pre-Application Training (YouTube)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftB2pBc58Co) - [Missouri Department of Economic Development Contact Page](https://ded.mo.gov/contact) --- ## Contact Information | Department/Contact | Email | Phone | |-------------------------------|--------------------------|--------------| | Missouri Department of Economic Development | grants@ded.mo.gov | 573.751.4962 | | General Inquiries | ecodev@ded.mo.gov | |

Entertainment Industry Grant Program

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