Shaheen: Small Businesses Need Cybersecurity Training, Protection

**New plan bolsters cyber training for entrepreneurs through nationwide network of Small Business Development Centers**

(Washington, DC) – To better prepare small businesses from the growing threat of hacking and cyberattacks, Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), the lead Democrat on the Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship, has introduced bipartisan legislation to bolster cybersecurity protection and training programs available to small businesses and entrepreneurs.

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Cyber Training Act instructs the Small Business Administration (SBA) to develop new cybersecurity counseling and training programs for small businesses.  Some SBDC employees must also become certified in cyber strategy counseling to help small businesses prevent or mitigate attacks from cyber criminals.

“While the internet and technology are offering small businesses new ways to innovate and reach customers—particularly in rural areas—it also makes them vulnerable to hacks and cyberattacks,” said Shaheen.  “For small businesses, preparing for these threats can be a daunting challenge.  These cyber training and counseling programs can help small business owners get ready for cyber threats and recover when hackers strike.”

The legislation is cosponsored by Senator James Risch (R-ID) and Rep. Steve Chabot (R-OH), the chairmen of the Senate and House Small Business Committees. 

Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) provide aspiring and current small business owners a variety of free business consulting and low-cost training services including: business plan development, manufacturing assistance, financial packaging and lending assistance, exporting and importing support, disaster recovery assistance, procurement and contracting aid, market research help, and healthcare guidance.  SBDCs are located nationwide, hosted by universities and state economic development agencies, and funded in part through a partnership with SBA.

The New Hampshire Small Business Development Center is located at:

UNH Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics

10 Garrison Avenue, #270L

Durham, NH 03824

(603) 862-2200; www.nhsbdc.org 

For more information or to locate an SBDC, visit: www.sba.gov/sbdc