For months it has been a waiting game for music venues in Charlotte and all across the country struggling to stay open and keep business afloat without the help of a much-needed federal grant.

The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) previously known as Save our Stages was first approved by Congress in December to include a $16 billion boost for those businesses involving music and live performances. Back in April, more than 13,000 businesses applied to get a piece of this grant money, but so far only 70 have been granted money.

“It’s been a very frustrating process, “said Gregg McGraw with MaxxMusic, the talent buyer for Noda’s Neighborhood Theatre. “We didn’t have any revenue since March of last year so all of our reserves are gone. We’re opening, we’re trying to stay open, but it’s not certain.”

The Evening Muse is another local venue also still waiting for payment and one of those in the Priority 1 grouping after experience more than 90 percent revenue loss. The SBA promised those in this category would receive their money by June 9th, but so far nothing.