Testimonials
“The most outstanding thing about SBAN is the good disposition and kindness of its members. All SBAN members share its open and inclusive culture, without barriers of any kind. Furthermore, as a scholar from an academic institution in the United States and researcher of small businesses, the greatest benefit I obtained as a member of SBAN was finding everything I was looking for in one place and at the time I needed it.”
“SBAN, its members, and the partnerships it creates are truly next level. Attending an SBAN event means that I will be engaged as a participant, and that the content will be comprehensive, intersectional, and fresh. Because of SBAN, I have learned about anti-displacement strategies in community development, economic development, outreach, and through public policy. I look forward to SBAN’s announcements because the information that is shared is pertinent, accessible, and professionally put together. I also love working with the SBAN team! They are responsive, professional, kind, helpful, and always willing to make a connection, explore a topic in greater detail, and creative.”
“As both a BIPOC small business advocate – and a black small business – I was able to engage with the work of SBAN on multiple levels. On our trips across the states to understand how to serve BIPOC small businesses better, all of my cohort members were eager to learn. I appreciated everything – from the strong coffee in the Allapattah neighborhood in Miami, to the perfect plantains in Maryland. It was like a field trip for adults. I love the bus tours!”
“SBAN stands out as a unique hub for business anti-displacement strategies and networking, providing unmatched convenience. The network’s primary value lies in networking opportunities and learning from best practices. Specific gains include insights into shared real estate ownership models and enhanced preparedness for local initiatives, such as those in Denver. SBAN’s distinctiveness lies in its role as a comprehensive resource, serving as a one-stop destination for all anti-displacement needs.”
“SBAN is an organization that provides leadership training for leaders in nonprofit, government and other sectors. SBAN is a best in class organization that provides you a toolkit to be a trailblazer in community organizing. As long as I am doing this work, I want to continue to be a member. The value of being a part of SBAN was in depth knowledge I would not have learned, without them. Keep up the excellent work.”
“My involvement in SBAN has been both inspirational and informational. The sense of family and connectivity is very strong in the SBAN. We are not alone and do not feel we work in isolation. The combined knowledge shared among members is pivotal in helping members to address similar and new challenges. It truly creates an opportunity to think outside the box as we learn what other partners have done or are doing and apply lessons learned to one’s situation. The network is true to its mission and leadership continues to encourage members to stay engaged and share information that is beneficial to others.”
“SBAN has offered me, as a local leader, new knowledge and language to address displacement happening along Maryland’s Purple Line. I have used the case studies and toolkit to help guide discussions with others active in our community, and we are now more confidently making the case for bigger and lasting anti-displacement solutions. When I meet other network members from around the world who are organizing and crafting transformative solutions in their communities, it seems we’re building something important together.”
“As a Main Street representing an historic African American commercial corridor, we struggle to find solutions to the seemingly never-ending challenges that limit the success of our businesses. SBAN has provided access to a cohort of communities and organizations who share our struggle…and help us all learn from the most effective ways around the country to align the interests of our landowners, politicians and BIPOC businesses to help ensure the fabric of our communities remains intact.”