The Brookhaven Chambers of Commerce Coalition is offering its 2026 Small Business Improvement Grant, awarding $1,200 to help local businesses invest in upgrades and long-term growth.
The annual grant is designed to support projects that strengthen small businesses and enhance their visibility, efficiency, or operations, according to Barbara Ransome, the coalition president who is managing the program.
Funds may be used for equipment purchases or updates, capital improvements, consulting services, business plan development, marketing strategies, promotional advertising, signage, and energy-efficient upgrades such as lighting or insulation. The award may not be used to supplement routine operating expenses.
“The coalition recognizes that our small business communities are always challenged,” said Ransome, a former Port Jefferson deputy mayor and operator of the Ransome Inn. “With this in mind, we are offering two operational grants to help offset operational expenditures. Recipients will be announced at the coalition’s Awards Reception Night in April.”
To qualify, a business must have 50 or fewer employees and must be a member of a local chamber within the Town of Brookhaven. That chamber must also be a member of the BCCC in good standing. Applicants must have been in business for at least one year. Nonprofits are not eligible.
Grant winners must provide proof of expenditure within six months of receiving the award unless other arrangements are preapproved. Only business owners or principal executives may submit an application, and proof of ownership or entitlement must accompany the request.
The formal application consists of a letter of request submitted as a PDF or Word document, including complete contact information within the document. Letters must be emailed to bransome@optonline.net and info@portjeffchamber.com with “BCCC Small Business Improvement Award” in the subject line.
All applications must be received by March 4, 2026. Questions may be directed to Ransome at 631-889-1190 or by email.