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UW-La Crosse Small Business Center Launches Free Cyber-Protection Initiative for Local Companies

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  Published in Business and Finance on Wednesday, November 12th 2025 at 23:36 GMT by News 8000

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Local Businesses Turn to UW–La Crosse Small Business Center for Cyber Protection

In an era when ransomware attacks, phishing scams and other cyber threats loom over every business—regardless of size—a growing number of local companies in the La Crosse area are turning to the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse’s Small Business Center (SBC) for help. The SBC’s new “Cyber‑Protection for Small Business” initiative, launched in March, offers a suite of free and low‑cost resources that aim to harden the digital defenses of the region’s entrepreneurial community.

Why Cyber‑Protection Is a Hot Topic

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), 43 % of cyber‑attacks target small businesses, and 60 % of those that are attacked go out of business within six months. In the past year, La Crosse‑area firms such as “Riverview Landscaping,” “Blue‑Ribbon Consulting,” and “Sunnyside Bakery” have reported data‑breach incidents that resulted in significant downtime and lost revenue. The threat landscape is especially volatile for companies that rely on cloud‑based services or remote workers—conditions that have been exacerbated by the post‑COVID work model.

“We’re seeing a spike in targeted phishing emails that look like they’re coming from trusted partners,” says Lisa Ortiz, a local accountant who recently had to guide a client through a cyber‑attack. “Without a proper cybersecurity posture, a single mistake can be devastating.”

The Small Business Center’s Response

The SBC, part of the university’s Center for Applied Economics and Entrepreneurship, has been working with local chambers of commerce and the La Crosse County Economic Development Office to design a comprehensive cybersecurity program. The initiative includes:

1. Free Cybersecurity Workshops
   Held twice a month at the SBC’s on‑campus training hall, these 90‑minute sessions cover topics such as “Recognizing Phishing Scams,” “Best Practices for Password Management,” and “Backup Strategies for Business Continuity.” The workshops are led by university faculty members, local cybersecurity professionals, and alumni who now run successful tech firms.

2. One‑on‑One Cyber‑Assessment Consultations
   Small businesses can schedule a 30‑minute consultation with an SBC cybersecurity specialist. The specialist conducts a high‑level assessment of the company’s existing policies, software, and network architecture, and then provides a tailored action plan. These consultations are free for companies with fewer than 25 employees, while larger firms receive a discounted rate.

3. Access to Free Tools and Resources
   The SBC has partnered with major security vendors to provide trial licenses for antivirus software, firewall configurations, and vulnerability‑scanning tools. A dedicated “Cyber‑Protection Toolkit” page on the SBC website offers step‑by‑step guides and templates that can be downloaded and customized.

4. Annual Cyber‑Resilience Bootcamp
   A one‑day intensive bootcamp that brings together representatives from at least 30 local businesses, security experts, and law enforcement officials. The bootcamp focuses on real‑world scenarios and collaborative drills that test a company’s incident‑response capabilities.

The full suite of resources is detailed on the SBC’s official website, which also includes an FAQ section and a list of frequently used cybersecurity terms. For those who need more in‑depth help, the SBC directs clients to “Cyber‑Shield Partners,” a network of vetted cybersecurity consultants from the university’s alumni community.

Success Stories

One of the early adopters of the program, “Riverview Landscaping,” reported a dramatic drop in phishing incidents after participating in the workshop series. “Before we joined the SBC program, we had three separate phishing attempts that almost led to a data breach,” says owner Mark Thompson. “Now, we have a zero‑trust mindset, we use multi‑factor authentication, and our staff knows exactly how to flag suspicious emails.”

Another example is “Blue‑Ribbon Consulting,” a boutique firm that provides IT consulting to small businesses. After a 30‑minute consultation, Blue‑Ribbon installed a multi‑layered backup system that ensures critical data is replicated across both on‑premises and cloud storage. The firm’s CEO, Angela Perez, estimates that the investment will save the company up to $45,000 per year in potential downtime costs.

Partnerships and Funding

The program’s funding comes from a mix of sources: a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Commerce, a sponsorship by the La Crosse County Chamber of Commerce, and matching funds from the university’s own research budget. The SBC also leverages volunteer hours from cybersecurity students, who are supervised by faculty members.

According to the SBC’s Director, Dr. Paul Harrington, the initiative aligns with the university’s mission to foster economic development. “We’re not just teaching theory; we’re equipping real businesses with the tools to survive and thrive in a digital economy,” he says. “Cybersecurity is no longer a niche concern—it's a core business competency.”

Looking Ahead

The SBC plans to expand the program’s reach in the coming months by adding a virtual learning platform that will allow businesses outside of the immediate La Crosse region to participate remotely. In addition, the Center is exploring a partnership with the state’s Office of Cyber Security to offer a certification pathway for local firms.

Small businesses that want to get involved can find all the relevant details—including registration links, calendar of events, and contact information—on the SBC’s official website. The page also offers downloadable templates for incident response plans, data‑classification matrices, and a checklist for cyber‑risk assessments.

Bottom Line

In a landscape where cyber‑threats are growing more sophisticated by the day, local businesses in La Crosse are no longer left to fend for themselves. The University of Wisconsin–La Crosse Small Business Center’s comprehensive program offers education, hands‑on assessment, and access to proven tools—all designed to reduce vulnerability and build resilience. Whether a startup just getting off the ground or an established company looking to shore up its defenses, the SBC’s resources provide a practical roadmap for cyber‑protection that is both affordable and effective.