Optimum Business and the LIA Foundation Announce the Relaunch of the L.O.C.A.L. Small Business Grants

Now in its second year, the “Lifting Our Community Businesses Across Long Island” will award 40 small businesses each a $5,000 grant 

New this year, two grand prize grants of $25,000 will also be awarded to further support the long-term success of small businesses on Long Island  

NEW YORK (FEBRUARY 26, 2025) – Optimum Business, the leading provider of fiber internet, mobile, TV, and phone services, and the LIA Foundation, the charitable arm of the Long Island Association (LIA), today announce the relaunch of the L.O.C.A.L. Small Business Grants, which will directly fund 40 small businesses in communities across Nassau and Suffolk Counties on Long Island. Applicants can receive up to $30,000 for their business, with the program distributing $5,000 grants to each selected business recipient as well as two $25,000 grants to one recipient in Nassau County and one in Suffolk County to contribute to the prosperity of the communities where they serve. 

Additionally, 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.

To date, Optimum Business and the LIA Foundation have awarded $250,000 in grants to 50 small businesses on Long Island to support their growth and help the region thrive. The L.O.C.A.L. Small Business Grants are made possible by its Founding Partner Optimum Business, and the LIA is continuing to partner with the Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (LIHCC) and Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce (LIAACC) to expand outreach to the region’s community businesses.

“Optimum Business is thrilled to continue our partnership with the LIA Foundation to support the vibrant small business community on Long Island. By providing these grants once again, we are not just investing in individual businesses, but in the economic health and future prosperity of our entire region,” said Andrew Rainone, Senior Vice President of National Sales at Optimum. “Our commitment to the small business community goes beyond financial support; Optimum Business is dedicated to fostering an environment where these businesses can thrive and providing connectivity services and resources to succeed in today’s digital world.” 

“The LIA is extraordinarily proud to partner once again with Optimum Business, the Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce to stimulate economic growth across Long Island,” said Matt Cohen, President & CEO of the Long Island Association. “Small businesses fuel our region’s vibrancy, and the goals of L.O.C.A.L. Small Business Grants program are to empower entrepreneurs, create jobs, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents on Long Island.”

For more on the L.O.C.A.L. Small Business Grants, including submission requirements, official program rules, and how to submit, visit www.longislandassociation.org/foundation/

“The L.O.C.A.L. Small Business Grants funded by Optimum in partnership with the LIA, LIAACC, and the LIHCC provides support to small businesses to Long Island’s regional economy and serves as a marketing function to highlight business success on Long Island,” said Phil Andrews, President of the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce. “Supporting small businesses on Long Island creates and maintains jobs on Long Island which supports a strong Long Island economy.”

"The 2025 L.O.C.A.L. Small Business Grants represent a critical investment in the future of our small businesses. Hispanic-owned businesses, in particular, continue to navigate the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, facing ongoing challenges in the recovery process,” said Luis Vazquez, President, Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “These grants will provide essential financial support to help them grow, create jobs, and further contribute to the communities they serve. Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy, and the diverse entrepreneurs who power them are key to Long Island’s prosperity. We are proud to play a role in lifting up our business community and ensuring a thriving, inclusive economic future for all.” 

Optimum Business and the Long Island Association expect to announce the grant recipients later this year. Once the winners are announced, Optimum Business will also host recognition events this summer with local officials and key community partners joining in on the celebrations. 

Optimum continues to find new ways to deepen its community presence and connect its customers to what matters most, which includes supporting, understanding, and celebrating what makes each of its local communities unique. The L.O.C.A.L. Small Business Grants is a concrete example of this very commitment to customers and businesses on Long Island, furthering the company’s commitment to making a positive impact in the communities it serves.