Stony Brook University announced on April 7 that it has partnered with the Long Island Association and its foundation to launch the LIA-AI Growth Academy, a free artificial intelligence training program funded by Google.org. The initiative aims to help small businesses on Long Island use AI tools to improve their operations, expand, and create jobs.
The new academy is designed to address the needs of small businesses—those with 20 or fewer employees—by providing practical guidance on using AI for customer engagement, financial management, and efficiency. Applications are open until April 22, with training starting May 19 for 50 selected companies. The program will include virtual sessions led by Stony Brook experts and an in-person event at Stony Brook’s campus in September.
Participants who complete the program will receive $5,000 to implement AI solutions in their businesses as well as an “AI Literacy for Business” badge for LinkedIn. The curriculum will be delivered by faculty 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.
“Stony Brook University is proud to serve as the academic anchor for the LIA-AI Growth Academy, leveraging our world-class expertise in artificial intelligence to empower Long Island’s small business community,” said Andrea Goldsmith, president of Stony Brook University. “Through support from Google.org, we are translating groundbreaking research from CEWIT, the AI Innovation Institute, and the Long Island Small Business Development Center (Stony Brook) into practical, scalable solutions to help our regional businesses leapfrog their competitors in terms of efficiency and effectiveness. The AI solutions developed through the Academy will also help drive regional economic growth and ensure New York businesses are at the forefront of technological innovation.”
LIA Chairman Lawrence Waldman 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 technology evolves.” Stacey Sikes, acting president and CEO of LIA added: “For 100 years…it is fitting that we are launching…in our Centennial year…We are grateful for Google.org’s support.”
Sonya Smith of New York Small Business Development Center said: “Through expertise…and strength of host institution…we are committed to guiding small businesses as they navigate AI adoption…” Reggie Thomas from Google New York stated: “This free training program will demystify AI for small business owners…”
Small businesses make up about 90 percent of all companies on Long Island but often lack access to specialized training on emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. Organizers say this initiative could help close that gap while supporting job creation across Nassau and Suffolk Counties.
