About the LIA-AI Growth Academy
The LIA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Long Island Association, has launched the LIA-AI Growth Academy, a free artificial intelligence training program designed to help small businesses harness the power of AI to grow their operations.
With support from Google.org and delivered in partnership with Stony Brook University, the program provides practical training on how businesses can integrate AI tools into daily operations including marketing, customer engagement, financial management, and productivity.
The goal of the program is to ensure Long Island’s small businesses can remain competitive as artificial intelligence rapidly transforms industries.
Program Highlights
Free AI training led by Stony Brook University experts
$5,000 implementation grant upon completion of training
Mentorship from business advisors
AI Literacy for Business digital badge
LIA-AI Growth Academy Program Details
- Businesses with 20 or fewer full time employees based in Nassau County or Suffolk County are eligible to apply.
- Applications must be submitted online by April 22, 2026 at 11:59 PM.
- Applicants may be required to provide additional information during the review process and will undergo two background checks prior to acceptance into the program, personal and business.
- Please submit questions to: aiacademy@longislandassociation.org
Additional requirements:
- Businesses may already use some AI tools but must demonstrate how the program will expand their knowledge.
- Up to two employees may participate in the training.
- Representatives must attend at least four of the six virtual sessions.
- Participation in one group and one individual mentoring session.
- Completion of the attendance at the required assignments including an AI Adoption Plan.
- Attend the final in-person session on September 29, 2026 at Stony Brook University.
Grant funds must be used by December 31, 2026 for new AI implementation and related activities.
Program Partners
Long Island Association
The LIA is celebrating its Centennial in 2026, and 100 years of advocating for the region’s business community and economic growth as a non-partisan, non-profit organization. The LIA’s regional leadership has played a direct role in shepherding progress by urging for government policies and securing funding that created jobs for people who sought the suburban way of life. The LIA is the voice for businesses in Nassau and Suffolk Counties and has introduced unparalleled opportunities for businesses to network and build relationships to accelerate their growth.
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook University is a flagship member of the State University of New York system and is internationally recognized for groundbreaking research and academic innovation. The LIA-AI Growth Academy is partnering with several areas of the university, including:
- The AI Innovation Institute advances artificial intelligence research and education across campus, in the surrounding community, and around the world. The Institute is dedicated to fostering AI-driven technological innovation and promoting thoughtful engagement in policy discussions surrounding AI.
- The Center of Excellence in Wireless and Information Technology (CEWIT) serves as a regional innovation hub and a trusted resource for companies across Long Island and throughout New York State. The center works with industry partners, including many small businesses and startups, to support product design, development, testing, and evaluation. CEWIT provides workforce training programs that equip local companies and community members with critical skills and emerging technologies, such as AI, to improve efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness.
Small businesses comprise 90% of all businesses on Long Island, but owners do not necessarily have access to training focused on the fast-moving space of AI and may be left behind while larger companies will be leveraging this technology. This program will assist small businesses with expansion and help them navigate challenges, contributing to their growth on Long Island so they can utilize the technology to create jobs while furthering economic prosperity and community vibrancy.
Google.org
Google's mission is to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful. Through products and platforms like Search, Maps, Gmail, Android, Google Play, Google Cloud, Chrome and YouTube, Google plays a meaningful role in the daily lives of billions of people and has become one of the most widely known companies in the world. Google has proudly called New York home for more than 20 years with offices in Austin, Boulder, Seattle, Portland, San Diego, D.C., Ann Arbor, and Cambridge among many other cities.
![LIA 100 Years [1926-2026]](https://growthzonecmsprodeastus.azureedge.net/sites/974/2026/01/LIA-100-Years-1926-2026.png "LIA 100 Years [1926-2026]")
