WASHINGTON, D.C. â August 20, 2026,Â
Chamber Supports SBA Recovery of $34 Million in Past-Due Pandemic-Era SVOG Funds
The U.S. Minority Chamber of Commerce today announced its support for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and its continuing efforts to recover federal funds that remain outstanding from the pandemic-era **Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program).
The SBA has referred an initial tranche of unresolved SVOG obligations totaling approximately $34 million to the U.S. Department of the Treasury for collection, representing another step in the federal government’s effort to recover funds owed to taxpayers. The agency has stated that the referrals follow recipients’ failure to resolve outstanding repayment obligations through the SBA’s established debt-resolution process.
The SVOG program was created to provide emergency assistance to eligible small businesses and organizations in the live entertainment, performing arts, museum, motion picture theater and related sectors that suffered significant financial losses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program was authorized with $16.25 billion in funding, with eligible applicants potentially receiving grants of up to $10 million.
According to the SBA, the agency began issuing rescission and demand letters in June 2025 to recipients identified for repayment, providing opportunities to appeal determinations or establish repayment arrangements before further collection actions. The agency has reported that it has recovered more than $50 million through voluntary and involuntary payments.
PRIVATE SECTOR SUPPORT FOR ACCOUNTABILITY
As an organization representing businesses, entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders, the U.S. Minority Chamber of Commerce believes that protecting public resources is fundamental to a healthy American economy.
Doug Mayorga, CEO of the U.S. Minority Chamber of Commerce, stated:
âAs a business organization working across multiple sectors, projects and economic-development initiatives, our objective is clear: we want to see the American economy continue moving forward. Supporting responsible stewardship of public resources is not a partisan issue. It is common sense and a responsibility shared by government, the private sector and the American people.â
Mayorga continued:
âWhen taxpayer dollars are allocated to help legitimate businesses survive a national emergency, those resources must reach their intended recipients and be properly accounted for. When funds are determined to be improperly awarded or remain legally recoverable, we support the government’s responsibility to pursue lawful recovery.â
The Chamber emphasized that its support for stronger fiscal accountability is consistent with its broader mission of helping American businesses compete, grow and create employment while encouraging a more efficient relationship between government and the private sector.
SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESS â AND THE TAXPAYERS WHO FUND IT
The Chamber noted that accountability should not be confused with opposition to government assistance.
Emergency programs such as SVOG were created during an extraordinary national crisis and provided critical support to businesses facing unprecedented disruptions. The Chamber recognizes the importance of such programs while also supporting appropriate oversight to ensure that public funds are used according to the requirements established by law.
A strong small-business economy requires both access to opportunity and confidence in the integrity of public programs.
The Chamber therefore supports continued efforts to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy, improve government efficiency, combat waste and abuse, and ensure that federal economic-development resources are directed toward legitimate businesses and communities in need.
The SBA has similarly emphasized a renewed focus on accountability, small-business growth and reducing unnecessary bureaucratic barriers.
A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY
The U.S. Minority Chamber of Commerce believes that the private sector has an important role to play in supporting responsible government and strengthening the nation’s economic foundation.
âAmerica’s economy belongs to all of us, and protecting the resources that support it is a shared responsibility,â Mayorga said.
âOur Chamber will continue working with businesses, government agencies and community leaders to promote entrepreneurship, investment, job creation, federal contracting opportunities and economic growth. At the same time, we believe that every dollar entrusted to government programs must be treated with the seriousness it deserves.â
The Chamber said it will continue supporting initiatives of President, Donald J. Trump that encourage transparency, accountability, economic opportunity and responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources, while advocating for small businesses and entrepreneurs across the United States and internationally.
ABOUT THE U.S. MINORITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The U.S. Minority Chamber of Commerce, headquartered in Washington, D.C., works with businesses, entrepreneurs, investors, institutions and community leaders to expand economic opportunity, facilitate market access, promote international commerce and strengthen participation in the American economy.
Through its programs, partnerships and business-development initiatives, the Chamber seeks to connect entrepreneurs and businesses with opportunities in the private sector, government contracting, international trade, investment and economic development. For more information about the Chamber: www.minoritychamber.net
For additional information: U.S. Minority Chamber of Commerce Washington, D.C. www.sba.gov â U.S. Small Business Administration
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