The data dump follows a press conference held by IRC members on Thursday and a Freedom of Information Act Request demanding that the SBA disclose more information about RRF funding. The SBA rescinded grant approval for an unknown number of applicants following multiple discrimination lawsuits filed by white, male restaurant operators who objected to the SBA’s plan to prioritize businesses owned by women, veterans and minorities.
In a statement Friday, the IRC expressed concern that some of the businesses that received grants were not the eating-and-drinking establishments the program was designed to help through the pandemic crisis.
Erika Polmar, IRC executive director, said she was concerned “about the number of ineligible businesses such as recreation facilities, management companies and hotel chains who received grants from the SBA. Congress clearly spelled out that only eating-and-drinking places should qualify for relief.”