DSU receives $1 million SBA grant

September 26, 2024

For the second time in three years, Dakota State University's Paulson Cyber and Economic Development Center has received a grant through the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) Cybersecurity for Small Business Pilot Program. These grants provide assistance to help small businesses advance their cybersecurity infrastructure and mitigate cyber threats.

DSU was part of the inaugural cohort in 2022 and is the only university in the nation to receive this grant twice.

"The Paulson Center is proud to continue to lead the way in securing assistance for South Dakota's small businesses," said Dr. Ashley Podhradsky, Vice President for Research & Economic Development at DSU. "This recognition from the SBA for a second time highlights our commitment to ensuring that cybersecurity is accessible and prioritized for small businesses across the state."

According to an SBA survey, 88% of small business owners felt their business was vulnerable to a cyberattack, yet many can't afford professional IT solutions, have limited time to devote to cybersecurity, or don't know where to begin.

Through initiatives like the SBA Cybersecurity Pilot Program and DSU's new designation as a Google Cybersecurity Clinic, the Paulson Center is able to provide critical training, resources, and tools to help South Dakota's small businesses safeguard their operations and customers.

"With cyber security threats on the rise, small businesses need to do everything they can to protect their digital assets from malicious actors," said Matt Paulson, founder and CEO of MarketBeat. He is also a DSU alumnus. "This grant will be a great resource to help South Dakota small businesses thrive in the digital world."

Bryson Patterson, Deputy District Director, SBA South Dakota District Office, said, "fortifying our nation's digital economy is important to our small businesses' success, given the growing threat of cyberattacks."

He added, "SBA's Cybersecurity Pilot Program Grant is a tool to help small businesses get cyber ready, and Dakota State University's Paulson Center continues to be a great partner in this effort."

The other two institutions awarded the grant were Eastern Washington University and the University of Texas at San Antonio. The three institutions will evenly split a total of $3 million in funding through the program for fiscal years 2024 through 2026.

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