U.S. SBA refers $34 million in pandemic-era SVOG debt to Treasury

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has referred an initial $34 million in unresolved Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) debt to the U.S. Department of the Treasury for collection. This action follows the failure of recipients to resolve outstanding repayment obligations through the agency’s established debt resolution process.

The SVOG program was a pandemic-era initiative authorized with $16.25 billion to provide emergency assistance to live venue operators, performing arts organizations, museums, and motion picture theaters. The SBA reported that it has already recovered more than $50 million through various payment methods.

The U.S. Minority Chamber of Commerce has announced its support for the SBA’s efforts to recover these funds, stating that protecting public resources is fundamental to the economy. SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler characterized the move as part of a zero-tolerance policy regarding waste and fraud in federal pandemic relief programs.