Optimum Business and the LIA Foundation have announced the grand prize winners of the second annual L.O.C.A.L. Small Business Grants, awarding $25,000 each to two small businesses in Long Island, New York. Each winner also receives a $5,000 television advertising campaign from Optimum Media.
The recipients are Little Feet Big Steps in North Babylon, Suffolk County, and Freeport Ninja Academy in Freeport, Nassau County. Both businesses previously received $5,000 grants as part of the first round of the program.
Little Feet Big Steps is a licensed day care center that used its initial grant to establish a greenhouse program. The additional funding will be used to replace an old furnace and cover operational costs, which will allow more children on the waitlist to enroll.
Freeport Ninja Academy used its earlier grant for marketing efforts to increase brand awareness. The new funds will be allocated toward facility enhancements and replacing equipment that has experienced wear since opening in January 2020 before the pandemic.
Andrew Rainone, Senior Vice President of National Sales at Optimum, said: “Since the launch of this grant program in 2024 with the LIA Foundation, Optimum Business has provided half a million dollars into supporting Long Island’s small businesses, a reflection of our dedication to the vibrant communities in the area. At Optimum, we recognize that small businesses are the backbone of local economies, and we are proud to champion their growth through these grand prize grants. We remain committed to empowering entrepreneurs and look forward to witnessing their ongoing success and the lasting positive impact they’ll make across Long Island.”
Matt Cohen, President & CEO of the Long Island Association, stated: “Working alongside Optimum Business to award more than 90 grants to Long Island businesses over the past two years has been truly inspiring. Small businesses fuel our local economies, and they are run by and employ our families, friends, and neighbors. This grant process confirmed what we suspected to be true – while businesses are still recovering from the pandemic five years ago, they are resilient, innovative, and committed to our communities here on Long Island. We are thrilled have the opportunity to support small businesses in a meaningful way because of the generosity of Optimum Business through the $5,000 grants and expand our impact with these grand prizes.”
Bruce Blakeman, Nassau County Executive added: “Congratulations to Kathryn Gawrych and the Freeport Ninja Academy on being named one of this year’s L.O.C.A.L. Small Business Grant winners. Small businesses are the backbone of Nassau County, and Kathryn’s story is a true example of resilience. After opening just before the pandemic, the Ninja Academy has grown to serve nearly 200 kids each school year while giving back to the Freeport community. This grant will help strengthen the business and support families across Nassau County.”
The L.O.C.A.L. Small Business Grants program is supported by founding partner Optimum Business as well as partnerships with organizations such as the Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (LIHCC) and the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce (LIAACC). These collaborations aim to provide resources for local business development across diverse communities.
Optimum continues its efforts in community engagement by supporting initiatives like these grants designed for small business growth throughout Long Island.
