Optimum Business and the LIA Foundation have announced the relaunch of the bars (we will raise our joint ventures on Long Island) to support small companies in the counties Nassau and Suffolk. In its second year, the program is now awarded 5,000 US dollars to 40 selected small companies and two main prize grants of 25,000 US dollars -one for a company in Nassau and Suffolk County.
According to the announcement, the program is to invest directly in the local economy by growing and thriving small companies. The local grants are made possible by Optimum Business, the founding partner of the program.
“Optimum Business is pleased to continue our partnership with the Lia Foundation to support the living small businesses in Long Island. By providing these grants again, we not only invest in individual companies, but also in economic health and future prosperity of our entire region,” said Andrew Rainone, Senior Vice President of National Sales with Optimum. “Our commitment to the small business world goes beyond the financial support. Optimal business strives to promote an environment in which these companies can thrive and use connectivity services and resources to be successful in today's digital world.”
So far, the partnership has awarded 50 small companies with 250,000 US dollars. This year, the program continues to expand public relations by expanding public relations with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (LIHCC) and the African American Chamber of Commerce from Long Isuncan (Liaacc).
“The LIA is extremely proud to work again with optimal business, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Long Island and the African American Chamber of Commerce in Long Island to promote economic growth in Long Island,” said Matt Cohen, President and CEO of Long Island Association. “Small businesses are driving the liveliness of our region, and the goals of the local program for small businesses are the strengthening of the entrepreneurs, creating jobs and improving the entire quality of life of the residents of Long Island.”
As an additional advantage, the LIA offers applicants a six-month free membership and one-year membership for the innovation of the organization, which are new to the organization and further support its business development and networking opportunities.
Phil Andrews, President of the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the broader economic effects of the program.
“The local small business subsidies, which are financed by optimum in cooperation with the LIA, Liaacc and the LIEHCC, support small companies for the regional economy of Long Island and serves as a marketing function to highlight the business success of Long Island,” said Andrews. “The support of small companies on Long Island creates and maintains jobs in Long Island, which support a strong economy of Long Island.”
Luis Vazquez, President of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in Long Island, raised the continuing challenges for companies in Hispanic possession.
“The local small businesses 2025 represent a critical investment in the future of our small companies. Especially in Hispanic companies, the sustainable effects of the Covid 19 pandemic continue to navigate and are in the recovery process,” said Vazquez. “These grants will offer significant financial support in order to grow, create jobs and continue to contribute to the communities that they serve. Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy, and the various entrepreneurs who participate are the key to the prosperity of Long Island. We are proud to play a role in the cancellation of our business community and to ensure a flourishing, including economical, economical future.”
The grant receivers are expected to be announced later this year. Optimum Business will also organize recognition events this summer that are connected by local officials and community partners.
Optimal business states that its ongoing investments in initiatives such as restaurants combine the company's commitment to combine customers with what is most important.
Further information, including submission requirements and official program rules, can be found at www.longislandassociation.org/foundation.