Two Mississippi-based SBDC RISE Center business counselor specialists, Market Research Specialist Jill Dietz and Marketing and Digital Transformation Specialist Kendall Causey, have successfully graduated from the Made Safe Cybersecurity Business Counselor Training Program, marking an important step in advancing cybersecurity readiness among small businesses in the state.

“This course changed the way I see cybersecurity. It gave me the knowledge, structure, and confidence to guide small businesses toward real protection. I finished not just thoroughly trained, but genuinely inspired to make a difference,” said Dietz.

About the Made Safe Cybersecurity Program

The Made Safe Cybersecurity Business Counselor Training 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 as a Registered Apprenticeship. 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.

Both Dietz and Causey completed the on-the-job portion of the Made Safe program, where they integrated cybersecurity best practices directly into their daily work. The program started with classroom training in March 2024, but both began a second level of on-the-job training in August 2024.

Hands-On Training and Practical Application

“The on-the-job portion of the training helps you put what you’ve learned into practice so that cybersecurity becomes second nature. When a client describes a system they’re using, you automatically start thinking about potential risks and protections,” said Laura Baker, Executive Director of CyberWyoming.

Trained by CyberWyoming, Dietz and Causey learned how to help local businesses strengthen their digital security posture while maintaining operational efficiency.

“As someone who works closely with entrepreneurs on digital marketing and transformation strategies, I see how critical cybersecurity is to long-term growth every day,” said Causey. “This training gave me new tools to help clients not only promote their businesses online but also protect them, ensuring that innovation and security go hand in hand.”

Impact on Mississippi’s Small Business Community

The Made Safe training program equips business counselors with the knowledge and tools to advise entrepreneurs and small business owners on cybersecurity threats, risk management, and safe digital practices. Through applied learning and mentorship, participants gain practical experience that enhances their ability to incorporate cybersecurity into everyday business advising.

“Graduates like Jill and Kendall are helping bridge the gap between business development and cybersecurity,” said Chip Templeton, RISE Center Director. “Their work ensures that small businesses across Mississippi can grow confidently in today’s digital environment.”

The Made Safe Cybersecurity Business Counseling training program is a collaboration between CyberWyoming and business advising partners to promote cybersecurity awareness and resilience across the small business ecosystem. By embedding security expertise into business counseling, the initiative aims to make cybersecurity a standard part of business success.

For more information about the Made Safe Business Counseling program or to learn how your business can benefit, visit: