WASHINGTON – After passing the House of Representatives this week, two bills led by U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, to support and protect small businesses are headed to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

The Small Business Cyber Training Act, led by Senators Shaheen and Marco Rubio (R-FL), would require the Small Business Administration (SBA) to establish a training program for Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) to prepare counselors in cyber planning assistance. Specifically, the bill would require SBDCs to have employees certified in cyber strategy counseling for small businesses.

“Cyber criminals targeting our small businesses cost owners valuable time and resources. Small businesses face enough challenges in their day-to-day operations – thwarting cyber criminals shouldn’t be another stressor,” said Shaheen. “It’s imperative for Congress to help small business owners acquire the tools they need to protect their businesses, staff and customers from cyberattacks. Our bipartisan bill ensures the Small Business Administration creates a training program to help small businesses protect their online presence. With e-commerce playing a larger role in New Hampshire’s economy, this legislation is an essential investment.”