The $16.25 billion Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program opened for the first time on Thursday and closed the same day for repairs.

• The SBA acknowledged technological difficulties almost immediately after opening, then later in the afternoon shut the portal down completely.
• Along with the shutdown came news that the program funds are not expected to be released until late April at the earliest.
• Concerns have also been raised by the Inspector General about the potential for fraud with lack of fund accountability. Where recipients need little documentation to obtain lump sums in the form of Grant money.