Optimum Business and the LIA Foundation Announce the Grant Winners of the Second Annual L.O.C.A.L. Small Business Grants

40 small businesses across Long Island, New York to receive a $5,000 grant to support

“Lifting Our Community Businesses Across Long Island”

NEW YORK (JUNE 12, 2025) – Optimum Business, the leading provider of fiber internet, mobile, and TV services, alongside the LIA Foundation, the charitable arm of the Long Island Association (LIA), today announce the grant winners of the second annual L.O.C.A.L. Small Business Grants, which will directly fund 40 small businesses in communities across Nassau and Suffolk Counties on Long Island.  

Each small business will receive a $5,000 grant to help support their growth and long-term success while further expanding and contributing to the prosperity of the communities where they serve. Featured grant recipients include: 

• John Theissen Children’s Foundation in Wantagh: A nonprofit organization dedicated to creating restful spaces and uplifting experiences for children with serious illnesses. The foundation plans to use the grant to organize special events tailored for these kids.

• TrueCare in Massapequa: An adult-day care center that will use the funds to build accessible ramps for clients to experience the outdoor space.  

• Bee Bright Therapy in Deer Park: A healthcare organization offering early intervention and preschool services in speech therapy that will use the funding to support clinic space upgrades to increase capacity, purchase research-backed toys and therapy materials, subsidize therapy sessions for low-income families, and fund free parent resources.

• Little Feet Big Steps in North Babylon: A certified day care center aiming to enhance its hands-on gardening program with new soil, seeds, raised beds and tools to teach valuable skills in growing fresh produce while promoting healthy eating habits.

Follow along at optimum.com/business/local-2025 for the full list of grant recipients and more information on the L.O.C.A.L. Small Business Grants. Optimum Business and the LIA Foundation expect to announce the two $25,000 grand prize winners later this summer.   

To celebrate the grant winners, Optimum Business will host recognition events this summer and fall with local officials and key community partners joining in on the celebrations. Additionally, as part of the 2025 Small Business Summit on June 18, 2025, hosted by Optimum Business in partnership with the LIA Foundation, the grant winners will be honored alongside fellow small business owners from across Long Island. 

“Optimum Business could not be prouder to support now nearly 100 small businesses on Long Island through its second annual L.O.C.A.L. Small Business Grants in partnership with the LIA,” said Andrew Rainone, Senior Vice President of National Sales at Optimum. “As a company committed to supporting the communities it serves, Optimum Business recognizes the pivotal role small businesses play in local economies and how investing in their growth nurtures innovation and resilience within our communities. We congratulate the 40 grant winners on this incredible achievement and look forward to witnessing their continued success and lasting impact on Long Island communities.”

The L.O.C.A.L. Small Business Grants are made possible by its Founding Partner Optimum Business, as well as the LIA’s continued partnership with the Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (LIHCC) and Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce (LIAACC).   

“Supporting small businesses on Long Island isn’t just part of our mission – it is woven into the fabric of who we are,” said Matt Cohen, President & CEO of the Long Island Association. “The success and growth of these small businesses are integral to the prosperity of our local Long Island communities. We are honored to play a role in their journey throughout our incredible partnership with Optimum Business, along with the Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the African American Chamber of Commerce.”

Optimum continues to find new ways to deepen its community presence and connect its customers to what matters most, which includes supporting, understanding, and celebrating what makes each of its local communities unique. The L.O.C.A.L. Small Business Grants is a concrete example of this very commitment to customers and businesses on Long Island, furthering the company’s commitment to making a positive impact in the communities it serves.