Small businesses on LI can apply for new $5K grants

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Small businesses in Nassau and Suffolk counties can get up to $5,000 each, through a new grant program. This initiative is thanks to Optimum Business and the LIA Foundation – the charitable arm of the Long Island Association – which together launched a $300,000 grant fund.

The program is called the LOCAL “Lifting Our Community Businesses Across Long Island” Small Business Grants. Funded by Optimum Business, the program will distribute $5,000 grants to each selected business recipient to help support their growth and long-term success while further expanding and contributing to the prosperity of the communities where they serve.

In addition, the LIA will offer a six-month and one-year complimentary membership to the LIA, respectively, for program applicants and grant recipients who are new to the LIA to further promote their development and help them build their networks.

The LIA is working with established partners – the Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (LIHCC) and Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce (LIAACC) – to expand outreach to the region’s businesses. The Optimum Business-funded program builds on the continued collaboration of the LIA, LIAACC and LIHCC to support small businesses on Long Island, including joint membership meetings.

“Small businesses are critical for the lasting health and vitality of local communities, and we believe Long Island’s vibrant and diverse business community has helped the region and its residents thrive and grow,” Andrew Rainone, senior vice president of Business Services at Optimum, said in a news release about the new grant program.

“Optimum Business is incredibly honored to be partnering with the LIA to create this grant program, which allows us to continue our commitment in ensuring small businesses have the connectivity services, resources, and programs to succeed and grow in today’s digital economy,” Rainone added.

“We encourage all eligible businesses from all sectors to apply to the LOCAL Small Business Grants and we look forward to seeing the innovative ways small businesses across Long Island will use this funding and watching the program’s impact across our region,” Matt Cohen, president and chief executive of the LIA said in  then news release, where he said he was “proud” to work with the partnering organizations.

The grant program “will help brick-and-mortar small businesses by providing them with the necessary capital to fuel growth and beautify neighborhoods, communities, business districts across Long Island,” Phil Andrews, president of the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce.

“We’re committed to fostering economic growth and empowerment across our diverse community on Long Island,” Luis Vazquez, president of the Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, said in the news release.

Through the initiative’s partners, Vazquez said, “we’re investing in Hispanic and minority-owned small businesses and the vibrant tapestry of Long Island’s entrepreneurial spirit. Together, we’re laying the foundation for a stronger, more resilient future for all.”

Optimum Business and the LIA expect to announce the grant recipients in June. Over the summer, Optimum Business will host recognition events in the summer, inviting local officials and community partners.

For Optimum, which recently launched its “Where local is big time” brand platform, the grant program is part of an effort to deepen ties with businesses and communities.

Applications are due by May 1. More information is available here.