The phrase "a small but ongoing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is minor in scale but continues to persist or happen over time.
Example: "We have a small but ongoing issue with the software that needs to be addressed."
Alternatives: "a minor yet persistent" or "a slight but continuous".
More broadly, the battle over the NED grants is a small but important piece of the ongoing struggle over America's mission.
In exchange for averting a small but significant chapter in the ongoing depredation of the planet, Correa requested $3.6 billion — half of the oil's market value at the time.
The challenges girls and young women face are not small, but ongoing efforts from all sides can help to bring more attention to this critical area so that, in time, girls and young women can improve their access to ICTs and use these tools to move towards reaching their full potential.
The alternative vote is a small but significant step forward in the ongoing campaign for a fair electoral system fit for the 21st century.
Small ongoing improvements in assessments of all 5-year olds in school and, most importantly, a small but significant narrowing of the gap in results between the poorest children and their better-off peers have been seen.
Although often donating very large sums, they avoid issues that require smaller but ongoing commitments.
For this reason, identifying a smaller but functional gene has been an ongoing goal in the development of a dystrophin gene-replacement therapy.
In pre-trial settlement talks, Oracle had suggested that Google should pay a small percentage of ongoing Android revenues in settlement of another part of the trial dispute, in which Oracle claims its patents have been infringed.
The L.A.-based team raised a small (under $200K, ongoing) seed round in convertible notes to get through its first season and prove the business model.
In a small ongoing study of patients infected with M. avium, increasing the set point on home water heaters from the recommended 120°F to 140°F appears helpful in eliminating M. avium in home plumbing systems.
