Long Island, NY, November 19, 2025
The Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (LIAACC) has announced the expansion of its Delivery & Marketing Grant designed to support minority-owned businesses in Suffolk County. Offering up to $2,500, the grant will benefit 40 small businesses by providing local delivery services and marketing support. This initiative aligns with federal efforts to foster economic recovery and aims to empower African American entrepreneurs, contributing to the growth of local economies.
Long Island, NY – New Support Efforts Aim To Boost African American-Owned Businesses
Long Island, NY – The Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (LIAACC) has recently announced the expansion of its Delivery & Marketing Grant, aimed at providing minority-owned small businesses in Suffolk County with vital support in local delivery and marketing. This innovative initiative is funded through Suffolk County’s JumpSMART Small Business Downtown Investment Program, which is supported by federal dollars from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The grant seeks to reinforce downtown business districts and empower local merchants to compete in an increasingly e-commerce-driven economy.
The LIAACC Delivery & Marketing Grant offers up to $2,500 per business and is set to benefit as many as 40 small businesses across Suffolk County. Selected recipients will gain access to same-day local delivery services powered by Trellus, paid digital advertising, and marketing assets designed to promote both delivery and pickup options. Additionally, participants will receive onboarding and ongoing technical support, crucial for integrating delivery operations into their business models. This program aligns seamlessly with Suffolk County’s efforts to enhance the vitality of local downtowns by utilizing ARPA funding. The county has allocated millions in federal COVID-19 relief funding to bolster economic recovery, foment small business growth, and ensure the longevity of Main Street retail districts.
Strategic Initiatives for Entrepreneurial Growth
Beyond the Delivery & Marketing Grant, LIAACC has been at the forefront of numerous initiatives to uplift African American entrepreneurs throughout Long Island. The organization is steadfast in its mission to close economic disparities by facilitating access to capital, providing technical training, fostering business networking opportunities, and advocating for supportive policies. Empowering small businesses is seen as a pivotal strategy in fortifying entire communities.
LIAACC’s commitment to community support is illustrated through events such as the Pre-Small Business Saturday celebration, which aims to motivate the local population to shop locally, support Black-owned businesses, and ultimately bolster the regional small-business economy. This particular event took place on November 15, 2025, in Baldwin, New York.
Collaborative Efforts to Enhance Local Economies
A broader movement is afoot to support Black-owned businesses on Long Island. For instance, PSEG Long Island recently recognized the entrepreneurial efforts of Nicole Sample-Harris and Kemi Ajisafe during National Black Business Month in August 2025, awarding them grants and bill credits to support their respective new event spaces in Baldwin and Hempstead. Such collaborations underscore a community-wide commitment to uplifting minority entrepreneurs.
Another key player in this movement is the African American Small Business Foundation, Inc., an organization dedicated to expanding opportunities, strengthening local economies, and supporting Black entrepreneurs throughout Long Island and beyond. Their focus includes access to capital, technical training, and a range of initiatives aimed at empowering small businesses and invigorating communities.
Empowering Sustainability for Minority Entrepreneurs
The concerted efforts represented in these initiatives reflect an ongoing dedication to fortifying African American-owned businesses on Long Island. By striving for economic growth and community development, these programs are not only enhancing the prospects for minority entrepreneurs but are also contributing to a sustainable economic ecosystem within the region.
Conclusion
In summary, the LIAACC’s Delivery & Marketing Grant, among other initiatives, epitomizes a constructive approach to supporting minority-owned businesses in Long Island. By promoting innovative solutions and leveraging federal support, these efforts underscore the importance of fostering economic resilience and spurring local entrepreneurship. Community members and local leaders alike are encouraged to remain engaged and support the growth of these vital businesses, ensuring a prosperous economic future for all.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the LIAACC Delivery & Marketing Grant?
The LIAACC Delivery & Marketing Grant is a program that provides minority-owned small businesses in Suffolk County with free local delivery and targeted marketing support. Funded through Suffolk County’s JumpSMART Small Business Downtown Investment Program, supported by federal dollars from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the grant aims to strengthen downtown business districts and help local merchants compete in an era dominated by e-commerce.
How much funding is available through the LIAACC Delivery & Marketing Grant?
The grant offers up to $2,500 per business, reaching as many as 40 small businesses across Suffolk County. Recipients will receive same-day local delivery services powered by Trellus, paid digital advertising, and marketing assets to promote delivery and pickup options, as well as onboarding and ongoing technical support to help businesses adopt new technology and integrate delivery into their operations.
What other initiatives is the LIAACC involved in to support African American entrepreneurs?
The LIAACC focuses on closing economic gaps by providing access to capital, technical training, business networking, and policy advocacy. Their work is rooted in the belief that empowering small businesses strengthens entire communities. The LIAACC also hosts events such as the Pre-Small Business Saturday celebration, dedicated to encouraging the community to shop local, support Black-owned enterprises, and strengthen the region’s small-business economy. This event was held on November 15, 2025, in Baldwin, New York, at Suite 1937. The LIAACC continues to serve as a leading voice for minority-owned businesses across Long Island and beyond, advocating for fair access to state and federal resources, inclusive procurement policies, and greater economic investment in underserved communities.
How does the African American Small Business Foundation, Inc. support entrepreneurs on Long Island?
The African American Small Business Foundation, Inc. is dedicated to expanding opportunity, strengthening local economies, and supporting African American entrepreneurs across Long Island, New York State, and beyond. The foundation focuses on providing access to capital, technical training, business networking, and policy advocacy to empower small businesses and strengthen communities. Their work includes initiatives such as the Pre-Small Business Saturday celebration, dedicated to encouraging the community to shop local, support Black-owned enterprises, and strengthen the region’s small-business economy.
Key Features of the LIAACC Delivery & Marketing Grant
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Grant Amount | Up to $2,500 per business |
| Number of Businesses Supported | Up to 40 small businesses across Suffolk County |
| Services Provided | Same-day local delivery services powered by Trellus, paid digital advertising, marketing assets, onboarding, and ongoing technical support |
| Funding Source | Suffolk County’s JumpSMART Small Business Downtown Investment Program, supported by federal dollars from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) |
| Program Alignment | Aims to strengthen downtown business districts and help local merchants compete in an era dominated by e-commerce |
Now Happening on X
- @CBS6Albany (November 18, 2025): Gov. Hochul announced a historic milestone in supporting minority- and women-owned business enterprises in New York State, disbursing a record $3.3 billion in payments during Fiscal Year 2024–25, according to the 2025 MWBE Annual Report. View on X
- @nys_cannabis (November 14, 2025): Cannabis tax revenue is expanding youth mental health services on Long Island, with the OCM’s Community Grants Reinvestment Fund supporting WellLife Network’s PlayWell Fund in Suffolk County as part of NY Cannabis reinvestment efforts. View on X
- @LIAfricanAmerCh (November 14, 2025): Congratulations to Rose Ward, Vice President of the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc., honored as one of Long Island Business News Top 50 Business Women for the second time. For more info on the chamber, visit their site. View on X
- @BusinessNYS (November 18, 2025): The Business Council thanks staff, attendees, vendors, and speakers for the success of the 2025 Black Economic Mobility Roundtable Forum held on November 12th at Medgar Evers College, expressing gratitude to sponsors. View on X
- @courierjournal (November 14, 2025): Funding has supported a Black-owned pharmacy, Boys & Girls Clubs, a barbershop mentorship program, and a senior housing development, among other initiatives. View on X
- @pierrelamou_ (November 17, 2025): I helped small Black-owned businesses in my city access over $3 million in funding within 18 months, including 3 commercial property purchases. View on X
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