SRD grant extension

The Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program, also known as the SRD grant, was created to provide relief to live entertainment venues that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program has been a lifeline for many venues across the country, but many have been waiting for news of an extension to the program as the original funds allocated to the program have been exhausted.

On April 26, 2021, the SBA announced that it would be extending the SRD grant program to allow eligible venues to apply for additional funding. The extension came as welcome news for many small businesses that had been left out of the initial rounds of funding due to high demand.

The SRD grant program provides eligible venues with a grant equal to 45% of their gross earned revenue, up to a maximum of $10 million. The funds can be used for a variety of expenses, including payroll, rent, utilities, and personal protective equipment (PPE). The program is designed to help businesses cover the costs associated with reopening and getting back to normal operations after the pandemic.

The initial funding for the program was $16.2 billion, and it was quickly exhausted due to the overwhelming demand from eligible businesses. The SBA received over 14,000 applications in the first two days of the program’s opening. As a result, many eligible businesses were left without funding.

The extension of the SRD grant program will allow eligible businesses to apply for additional funding, giving them a second chance to receive the financial support they need to survive. The SBA has not yet announced how much additional funding will be available or when applications will reopen.

Businesses that were eligible for the initial round of funding will be able to apply for the extension. Additionally, businesses that were not eligible for the initial funding due to timing restrictions may also be able to apply. The SBA has stated that it will prioritize businesses that have suffered the greatest revenue loss first.

The SRD grant extension is a much-needed lifeline for many small businesses in the live entertainment industry. It provides the financial support necessary to help businesses survive and thrive in the post-pandemic world. Business owners should keep an eye on the SBA website for more information on when the application process for the extension will reopen and how to apply.

Overview of Public Universities in South Africa

Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.

University of Pretoria

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
  • Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.

University of Cape Town

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
  • Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.

Stellenbosch University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.

University of the Witwatersrand

  • Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
  • Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.

University of Johannesburg

  • Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
  • Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.

University of the Free State

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.

University of Venda

  • Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
  • Application Period: Usually from May to September.

University of Fort Hare

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
  • Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.

University of the Western Cape

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Generally from May to September.

North-West University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.

Rhodes University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
  • Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.

Nelson Mandela University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
  • Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.

University of Limpopo

  • Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

University of Zululand

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
  • Application Period: Usually between April and November.

Central University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.

Vaal University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
  • Application Period: Typically from May to September.

Walter Sisulu University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.