RotaThe Rota Small Business Development Center is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of its inaugural Cybersecurity Training for Small Businesses, held in Rota City on Thursday, May 23, 2024. The free training aimed to increase cybersecurity awareness and capabilities among local entrepreneurs and provide them with practical, affordable tools to protect their businesses against potential cyber threats.
Herman M. Kintol, Owner of KRS Cyberworx, led the afternoon session, focusing on the importance of awareness of potential cyber hackers and proposing strategies for businesses to combat these threats. Participants were educated on the latest cybersecurity measures to protect their digital assets and maintain secure business operations in an increasingly digital world. Kintol highlighted that small and medium-sized businesses are the most vulnerable to cyberattacks and shared some real-life incidents in the region that negatively impacted both public and private sector institutions that fell victim to cybercrime in recent history. Kintol commended the participants for recognizing the potential threat of neglecting cybersecurity measures and the need to take proactive measures to protect small businesses as more and more businesses across the country become targets of cyberattacks.
The day's training series included a Federal Contracting 101 session moderated by Boris Hertslet, program manager for the Guam APEX Accelerator. The morning session focused on navigating the registration process on the federal procurement site SAM.gov and creating effective capability statements, which are important for local businesses seeking to win government contracts.
Hartslett was also in Saipan the previous day to conduct a similar training for Saipan-based businesses looking to further expand their economic opportunities for federal contract bidding. Hartslett highlighted important information regarding utilizing various SBA-certified certifications that can directly impact a business’s ability to earn preference points in the federal procurement process.
The Rota SBDC continues to play a vital role in Rota's economic development by providing high-quality training and resources. Working with experts such as Kintol and Hertslet, Rota's local businesses can rest assured they have the best guidance and support.
CNMI SBDC Network Director Nadine C. Deleon Guerrero expressed her satisfaction with the participants' success and positive feedback, stating, “These training sessions are an important part of our efforts to support and develop local businesses. By effectively preparing for federal contracting and strengthening their cybersecurity measures, these businesses will be better positioned to contribute to and benefit from economic opportunities in the region as the military builds up.”
For more information about upcoming training sessions and resources, please contact the CNMI SBDC Network at (670) 237-6888 or visit our website at www.cnmisbdc.com. (public relations)
