Be Part of the Solution
The U.S. government and corporations now mandate their partners to adhere to a certain set of protocols ensuring their cybersecurity.
The National Minority Supplier Development Council and its corporate sponsors are partnering with Industry Workforce Solutions to bring CyberReadyMBE® , a critical infrastructure training, to the council’s 15,000+ certified minority business enterprises (MBEs).
The NMSDC and its corporate members recognize the CyberReadyMBE® designation as basic cyber hygiene as well as foundational preparation for the Department of Defense’s Cybersecurity Model Certification (CMMC) program.
By participating, Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) will join a select group of CyberReadyMBE® companies positioned to gain new business in an increasingly cyber-regulated marketplace.
Benefits of the CyberReadyMBE® Designation Program
- Protect your company from cybercrimes by obtaining a cybersecurity pathway to close cyber gaps
- Earn a CyberReadyMBE® designation that is recognized by NMSDC corporate members
- Align your cyber readiness with Department of Defense guidelines, leading to government contracting opportunities
- Build opportunities with federal and corporate stakeholders
Program Success
“What better security model can you implement than something that the government wants,” Villarreal said. “Because we committed to the CyberReadyMBE program, we are now in the middle of doing one of the largest contracts that our company has ever done in its life and probably will ever do.
For a minority company to have access to a program like the CyberReadyMBE program, to get ready to be at a level where you can deal with the government, be part of their supply chain is the greatest gift. I recommend all MBEs to become cyber ready and this program will lead them on a pathway to close their gaps and onto future contracting opportunities.”
– Miguel Villarreal, President, and CEO Villa Tech
Program Details
* To make this program available to all members nationwide, there will be a series of opportunities to take the CyberReadyMBE® course. Check with your local affiliate and the NMSDC office for available dates.
* Program fees for MBEs are provided by the corporate sponsors. The Cyber and Workforce Gap Assessment fees will be paid for by MBE.
MBEs own 30 percent of U.S. businesses, employ 7.2 million workers, and generate over $1 trillion per year in revenue.
Making sure MBEs play a role in the nation’s efforts to protect data and intellectual property is essential.
Program Modules
Kick Off Cyber Summit 2023
Live Session on February 21, 2023 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM EST
MBEs should attend but it is not required for Certificate of Completion
- Hear from experts from industry, academia, and federal and state supporters.
- Learn how critical it is for MBEs to play a role in the nation’s war on cybersecurity.
- Learn from corporations and government on the need for MBEs to be cyber ready.
Module 1: Introduction to Cybersecurity (new to Cohort 2)
Live Session on March 14, 2023 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM EST
This module is optional
- For beginners with limited knowledge of cybersecurity.
- Excellent resource for MBE who need the basics on domains and controls.
- Learn how cybersecurity is different by industry sector.
- Get informed on what is a gap assessments and remediation.
Module 2: Fundamentals of Cybersecurity Readiness
Live Session with the instructor on March 28, 2023 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM EST
This module is required
- Recommend MBEs attend the live session.
- What is needed to be compliant with federal and corporate cyber standards.
- Learn the (17) controls and (6) domains required for CyberReadyMBE® designation.
- What is needed to achieve compliance.
- What is a gap assessment and remediation.
Module 3: Workforce Capabilities and Readiness
Live Session with the instructor on April 11, 2023 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM EST
This module is required
- Session on workforce development and capabilities in cybersecurity.
- Identify gaps in workplace roles and how to address them.
- How to start cybersecurity plan for your organization.
Module 4: Doing Business with Government and Corporations
Live Session with the instructor on April 25, 2023 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM EST
This module is required
- Learn how the designation aligns with government and corporate standards.
- Understand how cybersecurity impacts doing business with federal and corporate organization.
- Corporate representatives will participate in breakouts to engage with MBEs.
Module 5: Matchmaking and Leveraging Resources.
Live Session with the instructor on May 9, 2023 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM EST.
This module is optional
- Learn how to leverage your CyberReadyMBE® Designation
- Corporate representatives will participate in breakouts to engage with MBEs
Assessment: Cybersecurity and Workforce Gap Assessment (fee paid by MBE)
- Experts will assess companies’ cyber and workforce gaps.
- Receive recommendations to close those gaps.
- Companies that pass the assessment receive a CyberReadyMBE® designation from the NMSDC.
- Companies stay engaged with experts until their gaps are closed.
