Optimum Enterprise and the LIA Basis have introduced the relaunch of the L.O.C.A.L. (Lifting Our Neighborhood Companies Throughout Lengthy Island) Small Enterprise Grants, geared toward supporting small companies throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Now in its second yr, this system will award $5,000 grants to 40 chosen small companies, together with two grand prize grants of $25,000—one every for a enterprise in Nassau and Suffolk County.
In accordance with the announcement, this system’s objective is to take a position immediately within the native financial system by serving to small companies develop and thrive. The L.O.C.A.L. grants are made attainable by way of Optimum Enterprise, this system’s founding companion.
“Optimum Enterprise is thrilled to proceed our partnership with the LIA Basis to assist the colourful small enterprise neighborhood on Lengthy Island. By offering these grants as soon as once more, we’re not simply investing in particular person companies, however within the financial well being and future prosperity of our complete area,” stated Andrew Rainone, Senior Vice President of Nationwide Gross sales at Optimum. “Our dedication to the small enterprise neighborhood goes past monetary assist; Optimum Enterprise is devoted to fostering an setting the place these companies can thrive and offering connectivity companies and assets to achieve right this moment’s digital world.”
Thus far, the partnership has awarded $250,000 in grants to 50 small companies. This yr, this system continues to broaden outreach efforts by working with the Lengthy Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (LIHCC) and the Lengthy Island African American Chamber of Commerce (LIAACC).
“The LIA is awfully proud to companion as soon as once more with Optimum Enterprise, the Lengthy Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Lengthy Island African American Chamber of Commerce to stimulate financial development throughout Lengthy Island,” stated Matt Cohen, President & CEO of the Lengthy Island Affiliation. “Small companies gas our area’s vibrancy, and the targets of L.O.C.A.L. Small Enterprise Grants program are to empower entrepreneurs, create jobs, and improve the general high quality of life for residents on Lengthy Island.”
As an additional advantage, the LIA will provide a six-month complimentary membership to candidates and a one-year membership to grant recipients who’re new to the group, additional supporting their enterprise improvement and networking alternatives.
Phil Andrews, President of the Lengthy Island African American Chamber of Commerce, emphasised the broader financial influence of this system.
“The L.O.C.A.L. Small Enterprise Grants funded by Optimum in partnership with the LIA, LIAACC, and the LIHCC gives assist to small companies to Lengthy Island’s regional financial system and serves as a advertising and marketing operate to focus on enterprise success on Lengthy Island,” Andrews stated. “Supporting small companies on Lengthy Island creates and maintains jobs on Lengthy Island which helps a robust Lengthy Island financial system.”
Luis Vazquez, President of the Lengthy Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the continued challenges confronted by Hispanic-owned companies.
“The 2025 L.O.C.A.L. Small Enterprise Grants symbolize a vital funding in the way forward for our small companies. Hispanic-owned companies, specifically, proceed to navigate the lasting results of the COVID-19 pandemic, dealing with ongoing challenges within the restoration course of,” Vazquez stated. “These grants will present important monetary assist to assist them develop, create jobs, and additional contribute to the communities they serve. Small companies are the spine of our native financial system, and the varied entrepreneurs who energy them are key to Lengthy Island’s prosperity. We’re proud to play a job in lifting up our enterprise neighborhood and making certain a thriving, inclusive financial future for all.”
Grant recipients are anticipated to be introduced later this yr. Optimum Enterprise may also host recognition occasions this summer season, joined by native officers and neighborhood companions.
Optimum Enterprise states that its continued funding in initiatives like L.O.C.A.L. underscores the corporate’s dedication to connecting clients to what issues most.
Extra data, together with submission necessities and official program guidelines, is out there at www.longislandassociation.org/basis.