Apollo Woods Joins Small Business Anti-Displacement Network (SBAN) Data Task Force to Address Critical Data Needs for Minority-Owned and Immigrant-Owned Businesses
[Oklahoma City, OK – 2/22/2025] – The Small Business Anti-Displacement Network (SBAN) has announced the formation of a dedicated Data Task Force to address the pressing need for accurate and accessible data on BIPOC- and immigrant-owned businesses in gentrifying communities. Among the distinguished leaders joining this national initiative is Apollo Woods, Executive Director of the Bigger Than Food Foundation, who brings deep expertise in economic development, small business advocacy, and cultural enterprise.
SBAN is a coalition of organizations working to prevent the displacement of minority-owned small businesses in rapidly changing neighborhoods. The network has long been engaged in research, policy advocacy, and strategic support, yet access to reliable business data remains a significant challenge. The newly formed Data Task Force will play a crucial role in identifying gaps, improving data accessibility, and advocating for policies that enable better business support and anti-displacement efforts.
“In Oklahoma, obtaining essential business data has been a persistent challenge, often hindered by legislative barriers and restrictive policies,” said Apollo Woods. “Minority and immigrant-owned businesses are key drivers of cultural and economic vitality in our communities, yet their survival is threatened when critical data is unavailable or inaccessible. This task force presents an opportunity to change that narrative and provide actionable insights that will drive impactful policy solutions.”
The SBAN Data Task Force will convene over the next year. Discussions will include presentations from experts in data collection, distribution, and analysis, as well as direct engagement with SBAN members to assess their specific data needs. The goal is to enhance SBAN’s data portal, develop a small business data guide, and establish best practices for leveraging data in the fight against business displacement.
Woods’ participation in this initiative aligns with his broader mission at the Bigger Than Food Foundation, where he champions economic development and cultural sustainability in underserved urban and rural communities. His leadership and experience will help shape strategies to ensure small businesses have the data-driven resources they need to thrive amid evolving market dynamics.
For more information about the SBAN Data Task Force, visit https://antidisplacement.org/. To learn more about the Bigger Than Food Foundation and its initiatives, visit BiggerThanFood.com.
About Bigger Than Food Foundation
Bigger Than Food Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to leveraging food, culture, and entrepreneurship to foster economic growth and community resilience. Through initiatives such as Black Restaurant Bingo, Boss Up Business, and community-driven programs, the foundation creates sustainable solutions that empower small businesses and local economies.
About the Small Business Anti-Displacement Network (SBAN)
The Small Business Anti-Displacement Network (SBAN) is a national coalition of organizations working to prevent the displacement of Minority and Immigrant-owned businesses in gentrifying neighborhoods. SBAN provides research, case studies, webinars, and policy advocacy to help communities build equitable and sustainable local economies.
Media Contact:
Contact: Apollo Woods, MBA
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (405) 283-3806
Website: BiggerThanFood.com
