The United States Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced $3 million in new funding for state governments to help emerging small businesses across America develop their cybersecurity infrastructure.

As part of the Cybersecurity for Small Business Pilot Program, through the Office of Entrepreneurial Development, state governments are eligible to compete for grants that will help deliver cybersecurity assistance to nascent and start-up business owners. Applications will be accepted from January 26 to March 3, 2022.

“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, small businesses have adopted technology at high rates to survive, operate and grow their businesses," said Administrator and Head of SBA Isabella Casillas Guzman. "As a result, cybersecurity has become increasingly important as now, more than ever before, small business owners face cyber risks and challenges that could disrupt their operations and competitive advantages."

The funding initiative aims to support burgeoning businesses develop their cyber defense tactics from enterprise inception. “This pilot program will empower state governments to expand existing services, innovate, adapt to current environments, develop new resources and scale solutions to assist more small businesses," said SBA Associate Administrator for the Office of Entrepreneurial Development Mark Madrid. "Additionally, expanding access to underserved and underrepresented small business ecosystems will be a critical marker of success.”

Eligible applicants are comprised of state governments that seek to provide training, counseling, remediation and other tailored cybersecurity services for emerging small firms in multiple industries. Grantees will be awarded up to $1 million to assist small businesses.

For more information on this funding opportunity, click here.