The phrase "small consolation" means that something is not able to fully make up for a disappointment or loss. It is a small, insignificant comfort in a difficult situation. Full definition
In other words, many of the projects in Frieze New York might offer small consolation for the event's own frenetic, transactional nature: space enough for us to worry about something more than just having more. (tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com)
Small consolation prize for me is that this post is currently «trending»... my BP dreams have come true! (biggerpockets.com)
A discussion with a top expert on 1080 is of small consolation. (si.com)