
Navigating Cybersecurity Grants for Small Businesses
Small businesses face increasing cyber threats but often lack the resources for robust protection. Grants around the world can help.
How You Can Leverage Grants for Cybersecurity
1. Professional Cybersecurity Assessments
Receive comprehensive risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities in your networks, devices, and processes.
Get actionable recommendations and prioritized remediation steps.
2. Technology Upgrades and Implementation Support
Some programs provide direct assistance or cost-sharing for implementing security technologies, such as firewalls, secure payment processing, and endpoint protection.
Guidance is available for selecting appropriate tools and ensuring proper configuration.
3. Remediation and Response Planning
Develop incident response plans and disaster recovery strategies.
Receive help with compliance assessments for standards like NIST, CMMC, HIPAA, or PCI-DSS.
4. Ongoing Support and Resources
Benefit from follow-up support, updates on emerging threats, and access to new training modules.
Participation helps you stay current with evolving cyber risks and regulatory changes.
Key Cybersecurity Grant Opportunities in the US
Small Business Administration (SBA) Cybersecurity for Small Business Pilot Program
Purpose: Provides funding to state agencies and universities to deliver cybersecurity assessments, counseling, and support to small businesses.
Who Can Benefit: U.S. small businesses, especially startups and those lacking dedicated IT resources.
How It Works: Funds are awarded to ecosystem partners (universities, Small Business Development Centers aka SBDCs), which then provide services to local businesses.
How to Access: Contact your state’s SBDC or designated university for current offerings and enrollment details.
State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP)
Purpose: Provides federal funding to state, local, and tribal governments to help manage and reduce cybersecurity risks to critical infrastructure and public sector services.
Who Can Benefit: State, local, and territorial government agencies, with indirect benefits for small businesses and local organizations that receive training, assessments, or resources through state-run programs.
How It Works: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) allocates annual funds to State Administrative Agencies (SAAs), which develop cybersecurity plans and distribute funding to eligible agencies and local partners. States must pass through at least 80% of funds to local governments, with a portion earmarked for rural areas.
How to Access: Contact your state’s administrative agency (often within the Department of Public Safety or Emergency Management) or your local SBDC or economic development office for information on SLCGP-funded services and sub-grants.
Tribal Cybersecurity Grant Program (TCGP)
The TCGP is a newer program and is geared towards tribal government activities, so direct small business benefits are limited unless they’re tied to tribal economic initiatives.
State-Specific Grants
If your state is not listed, that doesn't mean there's not a grant available -- check with your local SBDC.
South Carolina
CyberSC Grant: Offers financial assistance to South Carolina-based small businesses for cybersecurity assessments and remediation, aiming to improve compliance with standards like CMMC, NIST, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS. The grant covers up to 70% of eligible cybersecurity assessment and remediation costs (up to $7,000 of a $10,000 project), with recipients paying only $3,000 out-of-pocket. Qualified vendors deliver assessments and help implement improvements.
North Carolina
SLCGP Participation: North Carolina’s Department of Public Safety manages SLCGP funds, which are used for planning, assessments, and technical assistance. Small businesses can access services through SBDCs or university partners.
Local Initiatives: Some local economic development offices and regional partnerships offer mini-grants or subsidized cybersecurity assessments.
Texas
University Programs: The University of Texas at San Antonio, a recent SBA Cybersecurity for Small Business Pilot Program grantee, provides cybersecurity assessments and training to small businesses statewide.
State Grants: Texas periodically offers technology and innovation grants that can be used for cybersecurity improvements.
Washington State
Eastern Washington University is a recipient of SBA cybersecurity pilot funds and offers direct support to small businesses in the region.
State Technology Grants: Washington’s Department of Commerce and local SBDCs sometimes offer grants or vouchers for cybersecurity services.
South Dakota
Dakota State University administers SBA cybersecurity pilot funding to provide assessments and training for small businesses.
Other States
Many states use SLCGP funds to support cybersecurity planning, assessments, and services for small businesses, either directly or through sub-grants to local agencies.
State economic development agencies and technology councils may offer periodic grant competitions or cost-sharing programs for cybersecurity upgrades.
How to Find State-Specific Cybersecurity Grants
Contact Your SBDC: Local SBDCs are often the first to know about state or regional grant programs.
Check State Agency Websites: Departments of Commerce, Economic Development, or Public Safety frequently list available grants.
Monitor University Programs: Many universities administer cybersecurity initiatives funded by state or federal grants.
Review SLCGP Announcements: States announce SLCGP-funded opportunities and services on official government websites.
Cybersecurity Grants for Small Businesses Outside the US
United Kingdom
Direct Grants and Security Reviews
£2,500–£5,000 Cybersecurity Grants: The UK government, through Innovate UK and related agencies, offers grants to help small and medium-sized businesses improve their cybersecurity. Recent schemes provide up to £2,500–£5,000 for cybersecurity assessments, technology upgrades, and compliance with standards like Cyber Essentials. (Availability may vary by year and sector-specific schemes may replace broader ones.)
Secure Innovation Security Reviews: Up to 500 UK SMEs can receive expert-led reviews and tailored advice to strengthen their security posture, protect intellectual property, and mitigate risks from state actors and cybercriminals. This is open to a range of sectors, including AI, life sciences, and advanced materials.
Cyber Local Projects: The UK’s Cyber Local scheme funds regional cybersecurity initiatives, supporting local SMEs with training, assessments, and ecosystem development. Grants can reach up to £150,000 for larger collaborative projects, but many smaller awards target individual businesses.
How to Apply
Applications are typically managed through Innovate UK or government partner platforms.
Eligibility usually requires UK registration, SME status, and a clear cybersecurity need or project proposal.
Deadlines and details are published on government websites and Innovate UK’s portal.
European Union
EU-Wide Funding Programs
Digital Europe Programme: The EU has allocated €1.6 billion for cybersecurity, with targeted grants for SMEs to bolster digital security, skills, and infrastructure. Funding can cover up to 100% of eligible costs for cybersecurity projects, including AI-based threat detection and staff training.
CYSSME (Cybersecurity and Data Protection for SMEs): This initiative was a past program, but it's worth watching for future rounds or similar successors. It offered grants up to €20,000 per SME for cybersecurity assessments, technology, integration, coaching, and training. The program was open to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises across the EU.
Horizon Europe: The EU’s flagship R&D program provides sector-specific cybersecurity funding, including recent calls totaling €145.5 million for SMEs and healthcare. Grants support adoption of advanced technologies and innovative security solutions.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through EU portals like the Funding & Tenders Portal, with calls announced periodically.
Eligibility typically requires EU registration, SME status, and a project aligned with program objectives.
Some programs, like CYSSME, have rolling applications and online forms for initial project proposals.
Other International Opportunities
Countries such as Canada, Israel, and Australia periodically offer cybersecurity grants or cost-sharing programs for small businesses, often in partnership with innovation agencies or economic development funds.
Many international accelerator programs also provide funding, mentorship, and cybersecurity support to SMEs with global ambitions.
Cybersecurity funding for SMEs is expanding rapidly across the world, reflecting growing recognition of cyber threats to economic stability. Most programs focus on practical support—subsidizing assessments, technology upgrades, and compliance. Being proactive and grant-ready can provide a significant boost to your cyber resilience.
Other Notable Cybersecurity Grant Opportunities
Sectors like healthcare and finance may have tailored cybersecurity funding streams.
General Small Business Grants: Can They Fund Cybersecurity?
Broad Grant Programs
Many general small business grants allow recipients to allocate funds for cybersecurity improvements, provided it aligns with business growth or risk mitigation goals.
Examples include:
SBA’s general small business grants
Local economic development grants
Private foundation grants for business innovation
Grants for Women Business Owners
Programs for women entrepreneurs often permit cybersecurity expenses as part of broader business development or technology upgrades.
Examples: Amber Grant, Cartier Women’s Initiative, and local/state women’s business grants
Tip: Always review the grant’s eligible expense list and, if unclear, ask the grant administrator if cybersecurity costs qualify.
(Aside: I'm going to add a practical note as a business owner here. If you apply for a general grant, you can designate part of the grant as going towards cybersecurity, rather than the full amount. For example, if you are just getting your business ramped up and you win a $10,000 Amber Grant, unless you have some very specific data protection needs or something like that, no one is going to expect you to put all of it towards cybersecurity, nor will you need to. You'll be focused on revenue-generating activity. This is not a pass to ignore it altogether, though!)
Tips for Grant Success
Act Early: Demand for these services is high; reach out as soon as programs are announced.
Start with a Cybersecurity Assessment: Grants often prioritize applicants who have assessed their risks.
Leverage Local Resources: SBDCs, universities, and state agencies frequently administer or support grant-funded programs.
Stay Informed: Grant opportunities and deadlines change frequently; set reminders to check for updates.
Justify Your Needs: Clearly explain how cybersecurity improvements will protect your business and support growth.
Document Everything: Keep detailed records of how grant funds are used and improvements made for future applications.
Stay Connected for Support
Many small businesses miss out on cybersecurity funding by assuming only IT-specific grants qualify. In reality, most general business grants—if you make a strong case—can be used for cybersecurity improvements. Building relationships with local small business development centers, universities, and state agencies not only opens grant doors but also provides ongoing support as threats evolve. Stay grant-ready—cybersecurity is an investment, not just a cost. Follow this blog, subscribe to my newsletter, and connect on social media to stay informed about the latest.