Long Island’s small-business community gathered on June 18 for the second annual Small Business Summit at Optimum’s Bethpage headquarters. Co‑hosted by Optimum Business and the Long Island Association Foundation, the event celebrated 40 recipients of the L.O.C.A.L. Small Business Grants—each awarded $5,000—and offered entrepreneurs access to funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities designed to fuel long‑term growth.
“So much crazy stuff is going on in the world today that people forget what makes everyday life work is small businesses,” said Congressman Tom Suozzi. “Most of the jobs in America are created by small businesses.”
This year’s grant program distributed $5,000 awards to businesses across Nassau and Suffolk Counties, bringing Optimum’s total investment to nearly $500,000 over two years. Recipients represent diverse sectors, including childcare, massage therapy, and promotional services.
“With the environment being a little difficult and people afraid, these grants give small businesses a tangible edge,” said Luis Vazquez, president of the Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, who opened the floor by highlighting the grant’s impact amid an uncertain immigration climate. “Now they can pay bills or expand operations without dipping into their savings. By equalizing opportunities through exposure and capital, we’re helping Latinos feel more comfortable and engaged in our economy.”
Grant recipients included My Own Lane Aquatics in Uniondale. The funding will help making swimming accessible for everone.
They plan to expand swim programs, train local youth as lifeguards through the Lane Leader Initiative, and support the SAFE campaign to make water safety accessible to all. Lessons are held Sundays at Adelphi University to serve more Uniondale families.
The summit also offered networking, mentorship, and access to business tools provided by Optimum and the LIA Foundation. The LIA Foundation is the charitable arm of the Long Island Association, a leading business organization dedicated to supporting and growing the regional economy.
“We had hundreds of applicants for this program; we hope to stay in contact with them and support them,” said Stacey Sikes, vice president of government affairs and communications at the LIA. “There are many different types of opportunities for business owners on Long Island. This money enables them to do a project they may not have been able to do, whether it’s a new sign outside their store, beautifying their indoor or outdoor space. It has had a significant impact on the businesses to grow, and in doing so, it helps our local community because they drive our economy.”
All applicants—whether they received funding or not—were granted a complimentary six-month membership to the LIA, providing them with year-round support, access to business development events, and connections with industry leaders.
“Minority businesses on Long Island had the opportunity to apply, and minority businesses are part of the Long Island economic engine,” said Phil Andrews, president of the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce. “It increased the ecosystem of giving black businesses resources and it’s really making a difference. Small businesses are the engines for business development and growth all across Long Island.
Businesses with fewer than 10 employees comprise 80 percent of Long Island’s business landscape. Beyond the grants, the summit allowed small business owners and chamber members the opportunity to network and access additional resources. With a growing roster of success stories and expanding partnerships, Long Island’s small‑business ecosystem is set for a season of renewed growth, innovation, and community impact.
“This program is built to last,” said Jay Guy, vice president and general manger at Optimum Business. “The future is bright.”
