Altice USA : Optimum Business and the LIA Foundation Announce the Launch of the LOCAL Small Business Grants

The $300,000 grant fund will be awarded to small businesses to support

"Lifting Our Community Businesses Across Long Island"

NEW YORK (APRIL 11, 2024) - Optimum Business, the provider of advanced internet, mobile, TV, and phone services, and the LIA Foundation, the charitable arm of the Long Island Association (LIA), today announce the founding of the LOCAL Small Business Grants, which will directly fund 50 small businesses in communities across Nassau and Suffolk Counties on Long Island. The program will distribute $5,000 grants to each selected business recipient to help support their growth and long-term success while further expanding and contributing to the prosperity of the communities where they serve.

Additionally, the LIA will offer a six-month and one-year complimentary membership to the LIA, respectively, for program applicants and grant recipients who are new to the LIA to further promote their development and help them build their networks.

The LOCAL Small Business Grants are made possible by its Founding Partner Optimum Business, and the LIA is continuing to partner with the Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (LIHCC) and Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce (LIAACC) to expand outreach to the region's community businesses. The Optimum Business-funded program builds upon the work of the LIA, LIAACC, and LIHCC have conducted over the past several years to support small businesses on Long Island, including joint membership meetings.

"Small businesses are critical for the lasting health and vitality of local communities, and we believe Long Island's vibrant and diverse business community has helped the region and its residents thrive and grow," said Andrew Rainone, Senior Vice President of Business Services at Optimum. "Optimum Business is incredibly honored to be partnering with the LIA to create this grant program, which allows us to continue our commitment in ensuring small businesses have the connectivity services, resources, and programs to succeed and grow in today's digital economy."

"The LIA is proud to partner with Optimum Business, the Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce to support the development and success of small businesses and contribute to the revitalization of the communities on Long Island," said Matt Cohen, President & CEO of the Long Island Association. "We encourage all eligible businesses from all sectors to apply to the LOCAL Small Business Grants and we look forward to seeing the innovative ways small businesses across Long Island will use this funding and watching the program's impact across our region."

For more on the LOCAL Small Business Grants, including submission requirements, official program rules, and how to submit, visit www.longislandassociation.org/foundation/

"The LOCAL Small Business Grants funded by Optimum Business will help brick-and-mortar small businesses by providing them with the necessary capital to fuel growth and beautify neighborhoods, communities, business districts across Long Island," said Phil Andrews, President of the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce.

"We're committed to fostering economic growth and empowerment across our diverse community on Long Island. Partnering with Optimum Business, the LIA Foundation, and the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, we're investing in Hispanic and minority-owned small businesses and the vibrant tapestry of Long Island's entrepreneurial spirit. Together, we're laying the foundation for a stronger, more resilient future for all," said Luis Vazquez, President of the Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Optimum Business and the Long Island Association expect to announce the grant recipients in June. Once the winners are announced, Optimum Business will also host recognition events this summer with local officials and key community partners joining in on the celebrations.

As part of Optimum's recently launched brand platform "Where local is big time," 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 LOCAL 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.

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About Optimum

Optimum is a brand of Altice USA, one of the largest broadband communications and video services providers in the United States, delivering broadband, video, mobile, proprietary content and advertising services to approximately 4.7 million residential and business customers across 21 states. The company operates a4, an advanced advertising and data business, which provides audience-based, multiscreen advertising solutions to local, regional and national businesses and advertising clients. Altice USA also offers hyper-local and international news through its News 12 and i24NEWS networks.

About the Long Island Association

The Long Island Association (LIA) is the region's leading non-profit and non-partisan business organization since 1926 and amplifies the voice of the business community. The LIA works to ensure the region's economic vitality - Long Island's future is our business.
www.longislandassociation.org

Contacts

Raffaella Mazzella: +561.817.5813; [email protected]

Stacey Sikes: +631.493.3002; [email protected]