When Matt Cohen became President & CEO of the LIA in May 2021, it was one of his priorities to expand the LIA's support to small businesses, which comprise the majority of businesses on Long Island, and were devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic. To help accomplish this goal, he partnered with LIA Board Members Luis Vazquez, President & CEO of the Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Phil Andrews, President & CEO of the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce to have the collective force of the three organizations. 

• In June 2022, together they held a Small Business Conference and launched the LIA's Small Business Support Program to help businesses who were devastated by the pandemic.
• In 2023, the LIA Foundation was awarded a $42,000 grant from the Long Island Community Foundation in partnership with the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce and Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to develop a plan for inclusive economic growth in our region.
• In 2024, Optimum Business generously supported the first L.O.C.A.L. Small Business Grant program, which funded 50 small businesses on Long Island with $5,000 grants, and supported them with projects like new signage and landscaping, improving the interiors of the stores and purchasing equipment, and expanding their marketing efforts.

The LIA is continuing to collaborate with LIAACC and LIHCC to support and advocate for Long Island's diverse small business community.  The organizations are engaging with their members in quarterly joint membership meetings, roundtable discussions, and individual meetings to receive feedback and input on best practices for regional collaboration, marketing and outreach, and navigating challenges facing small businesses.