Pen Testing Grants is a grant from the Cyber Grants Alliance (CGA) that funds penetration testing and cybersecurity assessments for small and medium-sized businesses across all 50 states. The $5,000 one-time in-kind grant covers a complete security assessment package including planning, testing, reporting, remediation, and post-engagement consultation to detect vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.

CGA's mission is to close the cybersecurity divide and keep the nation safe by providing resources to businesses that cannot otherwise afford professional security evaluations. Eligible applicants are U.S. SMBs seeking to improve their cybersecurity posture.

Cybersecurity Grants for Small Businesses | CGA To Keep The Nation Safe by Closing the Cybersecurity Divide Providing grants, resources, and certification funding to strengthen our defenses and keep the Nation safe.

Real protection for real businesses Real protection for real businesses Estimated Cost of a Cyber Attack on SMBs (Per Incident) Reputation damage accounts for 40% of total incident costs Four core programs to protect your business A complete security assessment package that detects vulnerabilities before they can be exploited maliciously, including planning, testing, reporting, remediation, and post-engagement consultation.

Exploitation, reporting phases A comprehensive $5,000 in-kind gap assessment evaluating your organization against all 110 NIST SP 800-171 controls, with detailed remediation roadmap. Automated compliance tracking Ongoing technical support Comprehensive training programs that target human attack vectors, such as phishing simulation, security awareness modules, incident response procedures, and continuous reinforcement.

Security training modules Incident response training Performance metrics tracking The CyberCert Silver Certification Grant provides each recipient with one Silver Certification credit valued at $195.

This comprehensive certification program includes: $5,000 In-Kind (one-time) Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) today face constant threats from cyber attackers who exploit unknown vulnerabilities, putting sensitive data, customer trust, and business continuity at risk.

Without a comprehensive security assessment — including reconnaissance, scanning, exploitation testing, and detailed reporting — many weaknesses remain hidden until it’s too late. This service helps identify and remediate those vulnerabilities proactively, providing an executive summary and expert guidance to strengthen security posture and prevent costly incidents.

Exploitation, reporting phases $5,000 In-Kind (one-time) Achieving and maintaining CMMC compliance is a complex and resource-intensive process that many organizations struggle to manage effectively. Manual tracking, inconsistent documentation, and limited technical expertise often lead to costly delays and compliance gaps that can jeopardize eligibility for government contracts.

An all-in-one compliance management platform provides automation, evidence logging, reporting, and expert support needed to simplify compliance efforts, reduce human error, and ensure continuous readiness for audits and certification.

Automated compliance tracking Ongoing technical support Human error remains one of the leading causes of cyber incidents, with employees often targeted through phishing, social engineering, and other deceptive tactics. Without ongoing cybersecurity training, organizations remain vulnerable to breaches that can lead to financial loss and reputational damage.

Comprehensive training programs, featuring phishing simulations, security awareness modules, and incident response procedures, empower staff to recognize and respond to threats effectively. By reinforcing secure behavior and tracking performance over time, this service helps build a resilient security culture that protects the entire organization.

Security training modules Incident response training Performance metrics tracking Silver CyberCert Certification Many organizations, especially small and mid-sized businesses, lack the resources to pursue recognized cybersecurity certifications that demonstrate trust and compliance. Without proper guidance and validation, they face greater challenges meeting industry standards, securing contracts, and qualifying for cyber insurance.

The CyberCert Silver Certification Grant helps close this gap by providing a guided assessment, remediation support, and official certification thereby offering an affordable, structured pathway to strengthen security posture and ensure new business opportunities through security-minded social proof.

Gold CyberCert Certification Organizations operating in compliance-heavy industries such as finance, healthcare, and retail face increasing regulatory pressure to formalize their cybersecurity practices. Many lack the internal governance, documentation, and employee awareness needed to meet these stringent requirements, leaving them exposed to compliance risks and potential data breaches.

The CyberCert Gold certification helps close this gap by introducing structured security governance — Including policies, data protection controls, asset management, and incident response protocols — building the essential foundation for long-term cyber resilience and regulatory readiness.

Better Cybersecurity Cuts SMB Attack Rates (2025) Small Businesses Are the #1 Target Cybercriminals specifically target small and medium-sized businesses because they often lack the resources and expertise to defend themselves effectively. The average ransomware attack costs $400,000 or more—money most SMBs don’t have. CGA removes the financial barrier to defense, so your business can focus on growth, not vulnerability.

Learn More About Our Grants Trusted by Business Leaders "The grant saved our CPA firm from a potential ransomware attack. We were able to implement proper security without breaking the bank." Ready to Protect Your Business?

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