(Lander, WY) – Audie Cunningham of Lander, Wyoming, has become the first graduate of the Wyoming Small Business Development Center Cybersecurity Business Counselor Registered Apprenticeship program, CyberWyoming announced recently announced, marking a national milestone in strengthening small business cybersecurity through workforce development.
The Cybersecurity Business Counselor Registered Apprenticeship Program, developed and sponsored by CyberWyoming, is the only program of its kind in the United States and is officially approved by the Department of Labor. Designed to bridge the gap between cybersecurity standards and small business realities, the program provides business advisors with the knowledge and tools to guide microbusinesses—those with fewer than 20 employees—in managing security risks without dedicated IT staff.
Cunningham’s achievement underscores the growing need for right-sized cybersecurity guidance for small businesses. The program covers seven key areas, including data privacy procedures, strategic security planning, risk assessment, policy writing, and employee training. Through a combination of virtual coursework and on-the-job experience, graduates like Cunningham gain the skills to help small businesses strengthen their security while keeping the process simple and accessible.
“The Cybersecurity Business Counselor Apprenticeship Program has been the most impactful professional development of my career, and I have implemented my new skill base in both my professional and personal life. I had hesitations about starting the apprenticeship program. Like many people I was intimidated and overwhelmed by cybersecurity. After some encouragement from Paul (Johnson) at the SBDC, I realized that my hesitation was precisely why I should do the apprenticeship program. After all, we stand to gain the most when we step outside our comfort zones. Working with the staff at CyberWyoming was incredible and I had their support every step of the way. The apprenticeship program empowered me to begin identifying the cyber security needs of my small business clients. Even small changes in your cyber security can have a big impact, and that is something I hope all Wyomingites and all small businesses can understand,” said Cunningham.
With cybersecurity threats on the rise, small businesses often struggle to implement security measures that align with complex national frameworks. The Cybersecurity Business Counselor apprenticeship fills this gap, making cybersecurity guidance more practical, affordable, and understandable for businesses that lack in-house IT expertise.
“We have been privileged to have CyberWyoming join us as a partner to provide services to our clients and training to our staff through our Cybersecurity for Small Business Pilot Program,” said Paul Johnson, Program Manager for the Wyoming SBDC Network. “This state-wide program, fully funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration, allows us to provide cyber readiness advising to small businesses who lack the resources to engage IT professionals. The training Audie and our other staff members received from CyberWyoming helped her engage with her small business clients to put cybersecurity practices in place and make their businesses more prepared against hackers and more resilient to recover from cyber-attacks.”
CyberWyoming encourages business development organizations, economic groups, and advisors nationwide to consider the Cybersecurity Business Counselor apprenticeship as a model for strengthening small business cybersecurity at the local level.
For more information about the program, click here or contact info@cyberwyoming.org.