New Support Efforts Aim To Boost African American-Owned Businesses On Long Island

LONG ISLAND, NY — The African American Small Business Foundation, Inc. is reaffirming its mission to expand opportunity, strengthen local economies, and support African American entrepreneurs across Long Island, New York State, and beyond.

The organization, a leading voice for minority business development in the region, continues to focus on closing economic gaps by providing access to capital, technical training, business networking, and policy advocacy.

Foundation leaders said their work is rooted in a simple belief: empowering small businesses strengthens entire communities.

What Support For African American Small Businesses Means

Expanding Access to Capital

African American entrepreneurs still face significant challenges in securing loans, grants, and investment funding. The Foundation helps connect business owners with micro-grants, loan programs, CDFIs, credit-building tools, and capital-readiness training—resources that help small firms grow and hire locally.

Providing Training and Technical Assistance

Through workshops and partnerships with business experts, entrepreneurs receive support in:

• Business planning
• Marketing and brand development
• Digital literacy and e-commerce
• Government contracting
• Manufacturing and export readiness

These training programs help business owners build stability and scale with confidence.

Creating Market Opportunities

The Foundation helps entrepreneurs gain visibility and access by facilitating:

• Corporate introductions
• Procurement and vendor opportunities
• Business expos and showcases
• Community outreach events
• Strategic partnerships

These connections help small businesses reach new customers, suppliers, and markets.

Advocating for Equity

The Foundation also works on the policy front, championing:

• Fair access to state and federal resources
• Inclusive procurement policies
• Stronger MWBE participation
• Greater economic investment in underserved communities

Their advocacy ensures African American entrepreneurs have a voice in shaping economic policy.

Strengthening Communities

Foundation leaders emphasized that African American-owned businesses play a critical role in local job creation, youth opportunity, and neighborhood revitalization. The organization supports initiatives that:

• Build sustainable job pathways
• Reinvest dollars locally
• Inspire youth entrepreneurship
• Promote long-term economic stability for families

“Stronger businesses build stronger communities,” the Foundation noted.

About the African American Small Business Foundation, Inc.

The African American Small Business Foundation, Inc. supports and uplifts African American entrepreneurs through business education, access to capital, technical assistance, policy advocacy, and community engagement. The Foundation partners with chambers of commerce, government agencies, corporations, and educational institutions to expand opportunities and strengthen minority-owned businesses statewide.