COVID-19 National: Business, Non-Profits – Show Starter Loans

This program aims to support eligible existing arts and entertainment entities that have been adversely affected by COVID-19. It forms part of the Australian Government's $250 million COVID-19 Creative Economy Support Package which seeks to support artists and organisations to get back in business following the disruptions caused by COVID-19.

Under the Scheme, the Government is guaranteeing 100% of new loans taken out by eligible arts and entertainment businesses to deliver new productions or events for a live audience. Loans are provided by participating lenders. It is implemented through the Coronavirus Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Guarantee Scheme.

The maximum loan amount is 50% of the total budget of the eligible activity, or up to $5 million (whichever is lesser). This rule still applies in cases where the applicant have received a RISE Fund grant. The loan can fund up to 50% of the total budget of the eligible activity or $5 million (whichever is lesser), including when aggregated with any RISE Fund grant to the eligible borrower with the same ABN, for the same activity.

The Scheme Rules allow for a minimum loan amount of $100,000 and a maximum of $5 million in loans in total under the Scheme, however applicants must contact the participating lenders directly in relation to what loan products they are offering under the Scheme.

The following lenders are participating under this Scheme:
- ANZ
- Commonwealth Bank of Australia
- National Australia Bank Limited
- Westpac Banking Corporation

A total funding pool of $90 million is available.

Pre-screening applications for the Scheme open on 4 December 2020, and will close on 16 June 2021, 5pm. Loans must be approved by participating lenders by 30 June 2021, or until funding for the Commonwealth guarantee is exhausted.

Please refer to the Scheme Rules for more information.

Eligible applicants must:
- Have an ABN.
- Have had an annual turnover of between $1 million and $120 million in the 2019-20 income year, and/or have a likely annual turnover of between $1 million and $120 million in the 2020-21 income year.
- Be an arts and entertainment entity.
- Have been adversely affected by the Coronavirus pandemic.
- Be unable to fund the new arts and entertainment activity without the assistance of the Scheme.
- Not be one of the following:
a) An entity or corporation owned by the Australian Government, state/territory or local government.
b) A local government body.
c) The operator of a theme park or fun park.

An arts and entertainment entity is an organisation that in the previous 24 months derived its major source of revenue or worked a majority of hours in activities that involve at least one of the following the:
- Employment of Australian cultural or creative workers, and/or Australian support workers.
- Operation of venues or facilities often used to exhibit or showcase creative and cultural talent.
- Organisation of arts and entertainment activities.

Eligible activities include new arts and entertainment production or event. An arts and entertainment activity is any production or event for a live audience that involves:
- The exhibition or showcasing of objects and sites of historical, or cultural interest.
- Artistic works such as visual artworks, music, dance, story and other performance arts.
- Festivals or concerts.
- The exhibition or showcasing of cultural or creative skills of general interest to a general audience.
- Digital and/or online elements, provided they complement and are not the main component of the production or event.

The following are ineligible for funding:
- Screen production and distribution (film, television, online productions, interactive digital games)
- Design (e.g. architectural and landscape design, industrial and product design etc)
- Radio broadcasting
- Sporting activities
- Carnivals, fairs, collectible shows, agricultural and produce shows, garden production and events
- Zoological events
- Gambling activities
- The establishment of a new arts and entertainment entity
- The development of new capabilities for an existing arts and entertainment entity