Stony Brook University and the Long Island Assocation Launch Google-Funded AI Academy

LIA-AI Growth Academy will support business growth and job creation

Stony Brook University has partnered with the Long Island Association (LIA) and its philanthropic arm, the LIA Foundation, to launch the LIA-AI Growth Academy, a free artificial intelligence training program funded by Google.org to provide practical guidance on AI tools to help small businesses scale.

The goal is to support Long Island's small business community with expansion and job creation by providing them with guidance on how AI tools can streamline their operations, engage customers, and strengthen their financial management so they can expand and create jobs.

Businesses with 20 or fewer employees are eligible to apply and can submit applications to the LIA-AI Growth Academy website until April 22, 2026. The training will kick off on May 19, 2026 with 50 selected businesses and will be followed by virtual sessions led by Stony Brook University, culminating with an in-person session on September 29 on Stony Brook's campus.

Stony Brook has assembled a team of experts from the Center of Excellence in Wireless and Information Technology (CEWIT) and the AI Innovation Institute, along with experienced business advisors from the Long Island Small Business Development Center (Stony Brook) to deliver this impactful workforce training program.

Companies that successfully complete the program will receive $5,000 at the last session to implement AI tools and an "AI Literacy for Business" badge for use on LinkedIn that outlines the achievements, competencies, and skills gained by the LIA-AI Growth Academy.

"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 Stony Brook University President Andrea Goldsmith. "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."

"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 the technology evolves," said LIA Chairman Lawrence Waldman. "We are proud to partner with the world-leading experts at Stony Brook University to deliver this training and build a stronger future for Long Island's economy and thank Google.org for supporting this valuable program."

"For 100 years, the LIA has provided leadership to grow our economy and support the business community, and it is fitting that we are launching the LIA-AI Growth Academy in our Centennial year in partnership with an internationally recognized research and academic institution, Stony Brook University," added Stacey Sikes, LIA acting president and CEO. "We are grateful for Google.org's support to help small businesses in Nassau and Suffolk Counties succeed and expand."

Stony Brook University is a flagship member of the State University of New York system and is internationally recognized for groundbreaking research and academic innovation. The LIA-AI Growth Academy is partnering with several areas of the university, including:

• The AI Innovation Institute advances artificial intelligence research and education across campus, in the surrounding community, and around the world. The Institute is dedicated to fostering AI-driven technological innovation and promoting thoughtful engagement in policy discussions surrounding AI.
• The Center of Excellence in Wireless and Information Technology (CEWIT) serves as a regional innovation hub and a trusted resource for companies across Long Island and throughout New York State. The center works with industry partners, including many small businesses and startups, to support product design, development, testing, and evaluation. CEWIT provides workforce training programs that equip local companies and community members with critical skills and emerging technologies, such as AI, to improve efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness.
• The Long Island Small Business Development Center (Stony Brook) provides free advising and training to help small businesses address organizational, financial, marketing, and technical challenges, supporting entrepreneurs and strengthening the Long Island economy.

"The Long Island SBDC at Stony Brook University is proud to serve as a key partner and mentorship resource for this grant program," said Sonya Smith, New York Small Business Development Center statewide director. "Through the expertise of our advisors and the strength of the host institution, Stony Brook University, we are committed to guiding small businesses as they navigate AI adoption and strategic growth. We are especially excited to see how this Growth Academy in collaboration with the Long Island Association will empower entrepreneurs, strengthen our regional economy, and create meaningful, long-term impact for small businesses across Long Island."

"Google has proudly called New York home for more than 20 years, and we are deeply committed to the success of the communities where we live and work. Through Google.org's support of the LIA-AI Growth Academy, we are thrilled to collaborate with the Long Island Association and the world-class experts at Stony Brook University," said Reggie Thomas, head of government affairs at Google New York. "This free training program will demystify AI for small business owners, giving them the practical guidance and financial support needed to scale their operations and engage customers in a fast-moving technological era."

Small businesses comprise 90 percent of all businesses on Long Island, but owners do not necessarily have access to training focused on the fast-moving space of AI and may be left behind while larger companies will be leveraging this technology. This program will assist small businesses with expansion and help them navigate challenges, contributing to their growth on Long Island so they can utilize the technology to create jobs while furthering economic prosperity and community vibrancy.