![LIA 100 Years [1926-2026]](https://growthzonecmsprodeastus.azureedge.net/sites/974/2026/01/LIA-100-Years-1926-2026.png "LIA 100 Years [1926-2026]")
About the L.O.C.A.L. Small Business Grant Program
The L.O.C.A.L. Small Business Grant Program (Lifting Our Community Businesses Across Long Island) are back!
Now in its third year, this grant program will award 40 small businesses $5,000 each and two Grand Prize winners $20,000, fueling expansion, innovation, and long-term success across Nassau and Suffolk Counties.
Made possible by Founding Partner Optimum Business and administered by the LIA Foundation, this initiative continues in collaboration with the Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce to expand outreach and ensure opportunity reaches every corner of Long Island’s business community.
Since launching in 2024, the L.O.C.A.L. Small Business Grant Program has awarded $500,000 to 90 local businesses.
This is more than a grant program, it’s an investment in Long Island’s future. The LIA is proud to continue it the same year as we celebrate our 100th anniversary of advocating for Long Island and supporting economic growth.
2026 L.O.C.A.L. Small Business Grant Program Details
The 2026 L.O.C.A.L. Small Business Grant Program is currently accepting applications for:
- $5,000 grants to 40 eligible businesses in Nassau and Suffolk Counties who will use the funding for expansion in their local communities
- Two $20,000 Grand Prizes for businesses that have experienced financial hardship
Please email questions to: foundation@longislandassociation.org
Save the date! Join us on Wednesday, June 16, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m. for the Optimum Small Business Summit, where we’ll celebrate the incredible small business community. $5,000 winners will be announced prior to the event, so stay tuned!
Small businesses with locations in Nassau or Suffolk Counties and 10 or fewer employees can apply for a $5,000 grant to support the growth of their companies.
Two $20,000 Grand Prize Winners (one in Nassau, one in Suffolk) for businesses that have faced extreme financial hardship
Application deadline:
April 3, 2026
Eligible Businesses Must:
Be based in Nassau County or Suffolk County.
Clearly demonstrate how the requested funding will support business growth and positively impact the local community in which they operate (not pay past debt).
Operate a brick-and-mortar storefront or spend the majority of their time serving clients within the local community (for example: a landscaping company, licensed child care facility, or food truck).
Submit background checks: One more the majority owner(s), and one for the business.
Process:
Applications must be submitted online by April 3, 2026.
Applicants must complete all required application questions within the character limits.
Businesses must provide a shareable video link (no longer than two minutes). Click here for instructions.
All applicants must review and agree to the Official Rules before submission - please see below.
- $5,000 awards are anticipated to be announced in June 2026 and Grand Prizes will be announced later in the summer.
2025 L.O.C.A.L. Small Business Grant Program Winners!
2025 Grand Prize Winner - Nassau County
Freeport Ninja Academy
2025 Grand Prize Winner - Suffolk County
Little Feet Big Steps Daycare
