The Long Island Association announced on Apr. 1 the launch of the LIA-AI Growth Academy, a free artificial intelligence training program for small businesses funded by Google.org and delivered in partnership with Stony Brook University.
The initiative aims to help small businesses on Long Island expand and create jobs by teaching them how to use AI tools to improve their operations, customer engagement, and financial management. Businesses with 20 or fewer employees can apply for the program until April 22, with training beginning May 19 and concluding September 29 at Stony Brook’s campus.
Fifty selected companies will participate in virtual sessions led by experts from Stony Brook’s Center of Excellence in Wireless and Information Technology (CEWIT), the AI Innovation Institute, and business advisors from the Long Island Small Business Development Center. Upon completing the program, participants will receive a $5,000 grant to implement AI tools as well as an “AI Literacy for Business” badge for LinkedIn.
Lawrence Waldman, Chairman of the LIA, said, “Artificial intelligence is not the future, it is the present, and the LIA-AI Growth Academy will be critical to ensuring our small businesses can thrive and grow as the technology evolves. We are proud to partner with the world-leading experts at Stony Brook University to deliver this training and build a stronger future for Long Island’s economy and thank Google.org for supporting this valuable program.”
Stacey Sikes, Acting President and CEO of LIA said that launching this academy during its Centennial year is fitting: “For 100 years, the LIA has provided leadership to grow our economy and support the business community… We are grateful for Google.org’s support to help small businesses in Nassau and Suffolk Counties succeed and expand.”
Reggie Thomas from Google New York added: “Google has proudly called New York home for more than 20 years… Through Google.org’s support of the LIA-AI Growth Academy… This free training program will demystify AI for small business owners.” Stony Brook University President Andrea Goldsmith also noted that their expertise would “empower Long Island’s small business community” through practical solutions developed via this academy.
Sonya Smith of New York Small Business Development Center said they are committed “to guiding small businesses as they navigate AI adoption” through mentorship resources offered by Stony Brook University.
Small businesses make up about ninety percent of all companies on Long Island but often lack access to advanced technology training programs like this one. The new academy seeks not only to bridge that gap but also contribute directly toward job creation across Nassau and Suffolk Counties.
