Long Island’s small-business community gathered June 16 at Optimum’s Bethpage headquarters for the third annual Small Business Summit, where Optimum Business and the LIA Foundation honored 40 recipients of the L.O.C.A.L. Small Business Grants, including Uniondale-based Special Treasures Childcare.
Each recipient received a $5,000 grant through the program, known as “Lifting Our Community Businesses Across Long Island.” The initiative supports businesses with 10 or fewer employees across Nassau and Suffolk counties and aims to provide entrepreneurs with funding, networking opportunities and access to business resources.
Jay Guy, vice president and general manager of Optimum New York, said supporting small businesses strengthens local communities and the regional economy.
“Small businesses play such an essential part in the strength of the local community and the economy,” Guy said.
“$5,000 goes a long way, especially when you think about having to pay rent, a portfolio of customers and people rolling into the business,” he added. “It will definitely help business thrive and succeed.”
Among this year’s recipients was Special Treasures Childcare, which recently opened a childcare center in Uniondale, sharing a building with Grace Cathedral International on Jerusalem Avenue.
Founder Linda Anderson, of West Hempstead, plans to use the funding to invest in equipment, educational materials and program enhancements as the center establishes itself in its new location.
“Special Treasures Childcare is honored to receive this grant, which comes at a pivotal time as we establish our new childcare center in Uniondale,” Anderson said in an email. “Opening a new childcare center requires significant investment, and grants such as this play a critical role in helping small business owners create safe, nurturing, and enriching environments where children can learn and thrive.”
The center recently expanded from a home-based program in West Hempstead to a standalone facility in Uniondale. According to Optimum Business officials, the expansion will allow the center to serve up to 68 children.
Anderson said quality childcare supports working families and helps strengthen the local economy.
“Our employers in the region can’t attract or retain their workforce if there isn’t safe, affordable and quality childcare available,” said Stacey Sikes, president and chief executive officer of the Long Island Association. “We’re very proud to be able to support a business that is starting their journey. We need more childcare options on Long Island.”
More than 300 businesses applied for this year’s grants, according to the Long Island Association. Applicants were evaluated based on factors including community impact, innovation and plans for growth.
Sikes said many applicants who received the grant, returned from last year and were turned down. This year they have strengthened their applications by refining their plans or demonstrating how their business evolved by viewing the businesses who won.
Since launching the grant program in 2024, Optimum Business and the LIA Foundation have awarded more than $500,000 to 90 Long Island businesses. With this year’s recipients included, the program will have supported 130 businesses overall.
All applicants receive a complimentary six-month membership to the Long Island Association, while grant recipients receive a one-year membership that includes access to networking events, business resources and educational opportunities.
Sikes noted that businesses with fewer than 10 employees represent 80 percent of all businesses on Long Island and play a major role in supporting downtowns and local economies.
Optimum Business and the LIA Foundation expect to announce two $20,000 grand prize winners later this summer.
