Michigan Stages Survival Grant Program

Thank you for your interest in the Michigan Stages Survival Grant Program. The grant application period is now closed and the applications submitted have been sent to the Michigan Independent Venue and Promoter Association for review and award recommendations. MEDC plans to announce grants to be awarded the week of March 8, 2021.

Program Information

The Michigan Stages Survival Grant Program will provide a total of $3.5 million in one-time grants of up to $40,000 to eligible entertainment and live music venues throughout Michigan that have realized a significant financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and emergency declarations.

The Michigan Independent Venue and Promoter Association (MIVPA) will be responsible for accepting, reviewing and approving applications. The MSF will then distribute the grant funds based on the recommendation of the MIVPA.

Program Timeline

January 21, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. EST application opens
January 28, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. EST application closes
February 28, 2021 deadline for MIVPA to make recommendations on grant awards to MSF for disbursement
Week of March 8, 2021 MEDC plans to announce grants to be awarded (following receipt of MIVPA recommendations)

MIVPA will complete an initial screening of all applications and supporting documentation and recommend applications to the MEDC for final approval and disbursement of the grants awarded. MIVPA will also provide a report to the MEDC of all applications that were denied in the review process. All applications received by 12:00 p.m. EST on January 28, 2021 will be considered for funding.

Eligibility Requirements

Live music and entertainment venues are defined as businesses/organizations that produce and/or present live, disciplined-based performance experiences, to promote and provide connections through creative expression by sharing creative experiences, expressing our own creativity or connecting us with others and ourselves.

Venues must meet all of the following eligibility requirements:

Be located in the state of Michigan
Produce and/or present live, disciplined-based performance experiences.
Demonstrate at least 33% of 2019 gross revenues are from the sale of tickets for live music or entertainment events OR receive at least 70% of its earned revenue through cover charges or tickets sales, production fees or production reimbursements, nonprofit educational initiatives, or the sale of event beverages, food or merchandise
Demonstrate second quarter revenues from April 1 – June 30, 2020 were not greater than 10% of second quarter revenue from April 1 – June 30, 2019
Employ no more than 30 employees on a full time basis
Existed prior to February 29, 2020
Not owned and operated in more than two states
Not owned and operated with offices in more than one country

Eligible Expenses

Awarded grant funds are to be used for working capital to support payroll expenses, rent, mortgage payments, utility expenses, or costs related to reopening a business.

Grant Amount

The maximum grant request is $40,000. There is no match requirement. MIVPA will have the discretion to recommend final grant award for applications.