When Janeth Zepeda learned that the state of California will support scholarships up to $ 235, 000 to live entertainment businesses impacted by covid – 20, she was very happy.
“The truth is, I didn’t know about this program, but I’m going to let my son know who takes care of that issue. I’m in charge of the artists and the ticket sales, ”said Janeth, who along with her family owns the Premier Fiesta Mexicana, a family restaurant that offers live entertainment.
“ From Thursday On Sunday, we have mariachis, singers, imitators, and people in addition to having dinner can watch the show and dance. ”
However, the Premier Fiesta Mexicana located in the city of Bell Gardens had to close for almost a year between March of 2020 and March 2021 due to the pandemic.
“We only reopen for two weeks in June 2020, but we closed again. ”
Janeth says that they lived through a very stressful year since, without being able to open the doors of the business, they were hit hard economically. “The payments for rent and insurance were not canceled, they continued to demand them.”
When the pandemic started, they had 35 employees and even his own mariachi.
“The truth is that we were very hurt, and the only thing that helped us to survive was a federal subsidy.”
Even with the reopening of its premises and the good response from families, Janeth says they are tight financially. So if they could qualify for the State Scholarship Program for live entertainment venues launched on 29 October, would be something that would definitely help them recover.
The nonprofit Lendistry announced a new state scholarship program for up to $ 250, 000 to businesses with a fixed location that present live entertainment in California.
The most important thing is that the beneficiaries will not have to return the money to the state.
Lendistry, has been a partner of the state of California, in the granting and distribution of the scholarship program of covid relief – 11 for small businesses for $ 4, 000 millions. Now they will manage the new program for $ 150 millions to support companies that present live shows in a fixed establishment.
This program provides scholarships to those who lost significant income in 2020 and 2021, and derive most of their income from ticket sales and event promotion.
These businesses were closed for several months during the height of the pandemic, and were unable to host events in person.
“ As events are returning, many places need support to recover from the long period of no income” , said Lendistry CEO Everett K. Sands.
He explained that “events in vivo play an essential role in local economies and provide a much-needed safe space for people to come together ”.
For that reason, he noted that Lendistry is ready and willing to help and support these businesses as they work to reopen and provide a positive atmosphere for our return to the new normal.
Scholarships will be up to $ 250, 000 or by the 20% of income Applicant’s gross tax year of 2019.
Requirements
Sands pointed out that to qualify for these scholarships, eligible live venues must have a physical address and operate in California.
“ An eligible venue must have a defined space for the performance and audience, lighting and sound equipment, and one or more paid employees who perform functions such as sound engineering, stage management, promotion, among others ”.
Where to apply?
He specified that will accept applications through their platform from 28 October to 19 November 2021.
Specific details on eligibility and the application process can be found at CAVenuesGrant.com. 
To take into account
Sands said that it is important that the businesses that apply for these scholarships have a physical space where they offer their show, for example a Comedy Club .
Those companies that go to other places to offer their show do not qualify but must have their own space.
On the other hand, he indicated that the scholarships range from $ 20, 000 to $ 250, 000 0 per qualifying business.
Do you need to be an entrepreneur with a green card or United States citizenship to apply ?
- “You can apply with a number to declare ITIN taxes, Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.”
Do they have to prove a loss of income from the pandemic?
- “Yes definitely a drop in income of 70% Come in 2019 and 2019 ”.
How long does it take to get the scholarship after applying?
- “Two weeks once the application period ”.
Once the money is delivered, are there certain requirements on how it should be used?
- “No, but it should be used for business related, such as reopening, paying outstanding bills. Nor do they need to report how they used it after receiving it. ”
- More than 1, 000 with which we hope it covers the majority of those affected.
- No, they can get it online and find it in Spanish.
How many businesses do you expect will be benefit?
Is it easy to fill out the application or do you need the help of an accountant or expert on the subject?
Through scholarship programs For California Small Businesses, Lendistry and the State of California have deployed the nation’s largest covid grant relief effort – 11.