AUSTIN, Texas – The City of Austin is trying to make sure Austin will remain the “Live Music Capital of the World” when the COVID-19 pandemic finally comes to an end.

The Economic Development Department is accepting applications from live venues for grant money totaling $5 million. The money comes from the $15 million Save Austin’s Vital Economic Sectors (SAVES) Fund.

Venues can apply for two different types of grant funding, one that would help businesses with an immediate risk of closure and another with enhanced funding that would help with long-term funding.

Businesses that qualify for the emergency funding will get $20,000 in either December or January. Those receiving the enhanced funding can get up to $140,000 paid out over several months.

Those that get the funds will also receive additional help through legal and accounting services, help negotiating leases, and long-term planning consultations.

While some venues have reopened for socially distanced shows since the beginning of the pandemic, many Austin venues continue to face an uncertain future in the coming months.

The Amplified Sound Coalition, one of the groups that advocated for the funding, posted to social media after city officials passed the funding measure.

“We are beyond grateful to be heard: the survival of our venues means our community can stay in this city. Giving the businesses a chance to make it through this pandemic gives us hope that we can, once it’s safe, return to our careers. AUSTIN IS SHOWING US THAT #WEHAVEVALUE,” the organization wrote.

Nakia, the president of Austin Texas Musicians, said online, “We are so grateful to see this money getting out to Austin music venues and thrilled the Austin Economic Development has chosen our friends at Long Center to admin and distribute the funds.”