Small businesses from across Long Island got a boost to build their futures on Tuesday, through grants given from Optimum Business - News 12's sister company - and the Long Island Association Foundation.
Each of the 40 businesses received $5,000 to help support their growth and long-term success.
This was the third annual “Lifting Our Community Businesses Across Long Island" or L.O.C.A.L. Small Business Grant program winner announcement.
One of the winners was the Barber & Beauty Institute of New York in Hempstead, an accredited barber school that will use the grant to upgrade equipment and supplies to enhance student training while continuing to offer free haircuts to underserved residents.
Another is Burger Boys Bar and Grill in Glen Cove, which is expected to begin the first phase of an outdoor patio to expand seating and host community events using the grant. And PRIDE EMBROIDERY in Bay Shore will use its money to promote its new location, build an e-commerce site, and upgrade its server.
“At Optimum Business, we’re proud to continue investing in the small businesses that help Long Island communities grow and thrive,” said Andrew Rainone, senior vice president of National Business Sales at Optimum. "These 2026 grant winners reflect the passion, innovation, and resilience of local entrepreneurs across Nassau and Suffolk Counties. We’re honored to support their ongoing success through our grant program in partnership with the LIA Foundation and celebrate the meaningful impact they make in their communities every day.”
The two $20,000 grand prize winners will be announced later this summer.
Since the founding of the grant program in 2024, Optimum Business and the LIA Foundation have awarded half a million dollars in grants to 90 small businesses on Long Island.