LIA-AI GROWTH ACADEMY CELEBRATES LONG ISLAND BUSINESSES READY TO PUT ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE INTO ACTION

LIA-AI GROWTH ACADEMY CELEBRATES LONG ISLAND BUSINESSES READY TO PUT ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE INTO ACTION

Program concludes at Stony Brook University with participating organizations receiving $5,000 grants to implement AI strategies developed through the Academy

STONY BROOK, N.Y. — September 25, 2026 — The Long Island Association (LIA) celebrated the completion of its LIA-AI Growth Academy, a program designed to help Long Island businesses to build their knowledge, adopt and strategically implement artificial intelligence to support growth, productivity and competitiveness.

The final in-person session, delivered in partnership with Stony Brook University held at the university’s Center of Excellence in Wireless and Information Technology (CEWIT) on Thursday, September 24, brought together nearly 50 participating businesses, regional leaders, and innovation experts to reflect on the AI strategies developed through the Academy and look ahead to how companies will put those plans into action.

Throughout the program, participants explored practical ways artificial intelligence can be integrated into their organizations, from improving day-to-day operations and productivity to strengthening customer engagement, marketing, data analysis, and even developing long-term business strategy.

With support from Google.org, businesses received a $5,000 AI implementation grant to help turn the plans they developed during the Academy into real-world projects.

“Artificial Intelligence is already changing the way businesses operate, and it is critical that Long Island companies have the tools and resources to take advantage of these new technologies,” said Stacey Sikes, Acting President and CEO of the Long Island Association. “Small businesses make up 90 percent of all businesses on Long Island, and they are the backbone of our economy. The AI Growth Academy was created to help businesses move beyond simply talking about AI and begin identifying practical ways to use it to become more productive, competitive and prepared for the future. At a time where AI is exploding, we are excited to see how these companies take what they have learned and put it into action.”

“The LIA-AI Growth Academy has provided these business owners with an important foundation for understanding how AI can work within their businesses, but the journey doesn’t end with the program. Through the SBDC, they now have access to continued, no-cost advising, education and resources as their businesses—and the technology—continue to evolve. Our Business Advisors can continue working with them to refine their strategies, identify new opportunities and help them make informed decisions about how AI can support their growth. We’re proud that the Academy has not only introduced them to new technology, but also connected them to a long-term resource they can continue to rely on.” Willa Smith, Regional Director, Long Island Small Business Development Center, Stony Brook University. 

The Academy reflects the LIA’s broader focus on strengthening Long Island’s innovation economy and helping local businesses adapt to rapidly changing technology and workforce needs.

“AI is here to stay, and our goal from the start was to make sure Long Island's small businesses have the same access to these tools as our largest employers, so they can compete, grow, and create jobs here at home,” said Sikes. 

Long Island is home to a robust ecosystem of research institutions, universities, technology companies, and businesses across industries that are increasingly exploring how AI can improve their operations. By bringing businesses together with experts and resources, the LIA-AI Growth Academy sought to make emerging technology more accessible and actionable for local employers.

About the Long Island Association
The Long Island Association (LIA) is celebrating its Centennial in 2026, and 100 years of advocating for the region’s business community and economic growth as a non-partisan, non-profit organization. The LIA’s regional leadership has played a direct role in shepherding progress by urging for government policies and securing funding that created jobs for people who sought the suburban way of life. The LIA is the voice for businesses in Nassau and Suffolk Counties and has introduced unparalleled opportunities for businesses to network and build relationships to accelerate their growth. For more information, visit longislandassociation.org.