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Stony Brook Today
By the People, for the People
Long Island Small Businesses Offered Free AI Training Program
Google-funded initiative aims to help local firms leverage AI to streamline operations and expand.
Apr. 1, 2026 at 3:06pm
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Small businesses on Long Island with 20 or fewer employees can apply for a free training program sponsored by the Long Island Association and Stony Brook University to learn how to use artificial intelligence tools to improve their operations, engage customers, and strengthen financial management. The program will provide $5,000 grants and digital badges to 50 selected businesses upon completion.
Why it matters
As AI becomes more prevalent in business, this program aims to help small firms on Long Island, which make up the backbone of the local economy, gain the skills and resources to adopt AI-powered solutions and stay competitive. The training could enable these businesses to boost efficiency, enhance customer experiences, and position themselves for growth.
The details
The LIA-AI Growth Academy will run from May 19 to September 29, with virtual training sessions led by experts from Stony Brook University's Center of Excellence in Wireless and Information Technology and AI Innovation Institute, as well as business advisors from the Long Island Small Business Development Center. Companies that complete the program will receive a $5,000 grant to implement AI tools and an 'AI Literacy for Business' badge for their LinkedIn profiles.
- The application deadline for the LIA-AI Growth Academy is April 22, 2026.
- The program will kick off with 50 selected businesses on May 19, 2026.
- An in-person session will be held on Stony Brook's campus on September 29, 2026.
The players
Long Island Association
A regional business and economic development organization serving Long Island.
Stony Brook University
A public research university located in Stony Brook, New York, that is providing the training and expertise for the LIA-AI Growth Academy.
Long Island Small Business Development Center
A resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration that provides free business consulting and low-cost training for small businesses on Long Island.
What’s next
Businesses with 20 or fewer employees can submit applications to the LIA-AI Growth Academy at www.longislandassociation.org/aiacademy until April 22, 2026.
The takeaway
This free AI training program represents an important investment in the long-term competitiveness of small businesses on Long Island, empowering them to leverage cutting-edge technologies and position themselves for growth in a rapidly evolving economic landscape.
