COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Development has launched CyberSecure, a new program designed to help small businesses strengthen their cybersecurity and prepare for upcoming changes in federal contracting requirements.

The new program is part of Gov. Mike DeWine’s CyberOhio initiative, which was created to enhance cybersecurity practices across state agencies and local entities. Through a partnership with Ohio APEX Accelerators and the Ohio Small Business Development Centers, the CyberSecure program provides up to 60 hours of free, one-on-one consulting to help businesses improve their digital security, establish or maintain their presence in the defense marketplace and navigate new Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification 2.0 requirements.

“We’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact cyberattacks can have on hardworking businesses, putting their operations and bottom line at risk,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development. “That’s why we’re providing Ohio’s entrepreneurs with the tools they need to strengthen their cybersecurity, protect their businesses and unlock new opportunities in the defense market.”

The U.S. Department of Defense is implementing CMMC 2.0, which will soon require companies seeking government contracts to be federally certified in cybersecurity. This certification is designed to enforce the protection of sensitive unclassified information shared by the department with its contractors and subcontractors.

While the CyberSecure program doesn’t serve as a third-party certification entity, it leverages the Ohio APEX Accelerator network and the Ohio Small Business Development Centers to offer eligible companies an initial 10 hours of free consultation with qualified cybersecurity professionals on tailored cybersecurity protection strategies and comprehensive cybersecurity assessments.

Eligibility requirements include:

  • For-profit businesses in Ohio.
  • Independently owned and operated for at least one year.
  • Between two and 500 employees (or meet applicable Small Business Administration size standards).
  • Registered with a local Small Business Development Center and/or Ohio APEX Accelerator.
  • Expanding into commercial and government markets.

Eligible companies can apply for the program HERE. For more information, email cyberSECURE@development.ohio.gov.