Funding Available for Cybersecurity Assessments for Indiana Small Businesses

Purdue University’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program is strengthening cybersecurity for Indiana’s small businesses. Through a partnership with the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), Purdue MEP is leveraging grant funding, secured by the IEDC from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), to offer free Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 1 assessments and implementation to qualified businesses through August 2025 or until funding runs out. This initiative aims to improve cybersecurity defenses and prepare Indiana’s small businesses for future growth.

A CMMC Level 1 Self-Assessment is a compliance level that companies can achieve by attaining specific cybersecurity standards. In the CMMC assessments, Purdue MEP will work with small businesses to ensure they have the proper cybersecurity defense tools in place and, if not, will work with the company to put together the necessary cyber defenses to meet the standards. When a small business completes a CMMC Level 1 Self-Assessment, the assessment expands their ability to bid on contract work with federal agencies, namely the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). CMMC Level 1 Self-Assessment also enhances the cybersecurity posture of small businesses and can lead to increased customer confidence in businesses' ability to protect important data and keep themselves secure from ever-increasing cyber-attacks.

Cyberattacks are growing and have more than doubled since the pandemic. Small businesses are particularly vulnerable and need to focus on ways to protect their information. This funding is coming at an opportune time and both the IEDC and Purdue MEP are concentrated on reaching as many businesses as possible.

“Obtaining CMMC Level 1 will enable Indiana businesses to receive Federal Contract Information, but more importantly, it will ensure that foundational cybersecurity practices are in place to protect your company,” states Gene Jones, Senior Program Manager for Cybersecurity and Defense at Purdue MEP. “I don’t know of another state that is getting this type of critically needed support. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity!”

“Empowering Indiana’s small businesses with CMMC assessments from Purdue is a win-win-win for our state,” says David Watkins, Senior Vice President, Entrepreneurship and Innovation. “It strengthens individual businesses by protecting their critical data, promotes vibrant and secure communities where residents feel comfortable doing business, and fuels Indiana’s economic engine by ensuring a protected and resilient business landscape. We couldn’t be more excited for this partnership and the outcomes it’ll have.”

This opportunity is now open to any small business that desires to enhance their organization’s cybersecurity defenses. Interested small businesses can email Gene Jones at jonesew@purdue.edu to learn more and begin the assessment process. Businesses can also click here to find out more about Purdue MEP’s cybersecurity services for manufacturers and here for the IEDC’s additional cybersecurity resources for small businesses.

Funded through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

 

About Purdue Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP)

Purdue MEP, part of the MEP National Network, provides high-value, affordable, personalized consulting and training services that enable Indiana manufacturers to work smarter, compete, and prosper. We develop more effective business leaders, drive product and process innovation, promote company-wide operational excellence, and foster creative strategies for business growth, workforce development, economic competitiveness, and greater profitability. To learn more, visit www.mep.purdue.edu.

Writer: Julie Warner, 765-496-1200, jawarner@purdue.edu