March 8, 2026
As Huntington hosts events celebrating women in business this March, meet the local leaders shaping Long Island's economy. From networking at Fogo de Chão to chamber initiatives, these entrepreneurs are building the future.
In the heart of Huntington, where Walt Whitman Shops buzzes with shoppers and Fogo de Chão draws crowds for its Brazilian steakhouse vibes, a special gathering just wrapped up on March 6, 2026, honoring women crushing it in business and public service. This event, tied to International Women's Day on March 8, spotlights how Huntington entrepreneurs are fueling Long Island's economy through grit, networking, and smart partnerships.
Picture this: professionals clinking glasses at Fogo de Chão in South Huntington, right off Walt Whitman Road, as they toast to local women reshaping communities. Sponsored by the law firm McIntyre, Donohue, Accardi, Salmonson & Riordan, LLP and hosted with Suffolk County Legislator Sam Gonzalez, the afternoon event created real connections among business owners, politicians, and leaders. Andrea Matos, seen alongside Legislator Gonzalez at past legal clinic talk shows, represents the kind of impact-makers being recognized.
These gatherings aren't just feel-good moments—they're practical hubs for Huntington's entrepreneurs. Attendees swap tips on scaling businesses amid Long Island's shifting economy, from reimagining downtowns to tackling affordability challenges. With spots like Walt Whitman Shops anchoring the area, events here blend celebration with actionable networking that helps women entrepreneurs grow.
Just weeks earlier, on February 10, 2026, the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce (LIAACC) packed Fogo de Chão in Huntington for "Celebrating Milestones, Presence & Future Success." This event hammered home the power of partnerships, drawing business owners and stakeholders to spotlight Black entrepreneurs' economic contributions across Long Island. LIAACC, the largest African American chamber serving Kings, Nassau, Queens, and Suffolk counties, pushes for inclusive growth through advocacy, education, and capital access.
Huntington's business scene thrives on groups like LIAACC, whose president Phil Andrews sees big potential ahead. He points to Long Island's powerhouse associations—including the Long Island Association, Hauppauge Industrial Association, Nassau Council Chamber of Commerce, and Suffolk County Alliance Chamber of Commerce—as a unique edge. These orgs team up with colleges and universities, packed with fresh ideas, to steer the region's future.
Coming up on March 14, 2026, "Homegrown Heroes of Long Island" at Adelphi University Performing Arts Center in Garden City offers another shot at recognition. From 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., it'll celebrate entrepreneurs shaping the economy—many hailing from Huntington and nearby. Meanwhile, the 2026 HERALD Thrive Awards honor small, family-owned businesses, the true backbone of Long Island's economy.
Events at real spots like Fogo de Chão aren't random; they're strategic. Huntington's location makes it a go-to for these mixers, helping entrepreneurs like those in construction, clean energy, and beyond spot opportunities. Women owners, in particular, are stepping up as the market favors licensed, insured pros.
Long Island leaders like Andrews predict strategic growth in 2026, with collaborations keeping the region competitive. The Long Island Innovation Park at Hauppauge shows how clustering companies sparks ideas and solutions. For Huntington entrepreneurs, this means easier access to partners and resources right nearby.
Robert Ciatto of ACLD notes Long Island's strong innovation and manufacturing base, with AI changing how work happens. Bold businesses adapting to these tools will lead. Jason Fligman highlights opportunities for women in construction and clean energy, as the industry resets to reward reliable players.
Nonprofits like the African American Small Business Foundation back underserved entrepreneurs with education, advocacy, and capital pathways, creating jobs and sustainability. In Huntington, this support turns ideas into real ventures, from Walt Whitman Road eateries to expanding firms eyeing national growth, like Uncle Giuseppe's planning a spot in Greenvale.
These stories show Huntington's entrepreneurs aren't just surviving—they're partnering up to build lasting impact. Whether at Fogo de Chão networking events or chamber summits, the focus stays on practical steps: forming alliances, grabbing capital, and innovating locally.
Long Island's business pulse beats strong in Huntington, thanks to these driven leaders. Dive deeper into local success stories and events with LI Daily—follow us for the latest on the entrepreneurs powering our communities forward.
