Paying for CMMC: Funding & Financial Resources
Preparing for CMMC is a big investment, especially for small and mid-sized companies. Along with understanding the requirements and planning your path to compliance, it's natural to wonder how you'll pay for the process.
Depending on your situation, financial assistance may be available through business financing, government contracting resources, workforce development programs, cybersecurity initiatives, manufacturing assistance programs, and other sources.
Here we'll share resources to help you explore options for funding your CMMC efforts.
ARE THERE LOANS OR GRANTS AVAILABLE TO HELP PAY FOR CMMC?
It may be possible to use Small Business Administration (SBA) financing, state grant programs, industry assistance programs, or other funding sources to help cover certain compliance-related costs.
You may also benefit from resources such as APEX Accelerators, Project Spectrum, Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) centers, and Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), which can help you explore funding opportunities, access educational resources, and plan your readiness efforts. We'll discuss those possible options in more detail below.
Note: Funding opportunities, eligibility requirements, and available programs change over time, so it's important to verify current information directly with the organizations offering them.
WHAT TYPES OF CMMC EXPENSES MIGHT BE ELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING?
Every program is different, but funding may be available for expenses such as:
Technology upgrades
Equipment purchases
Security tools and software
Compliance consulting
Employee training
Assessment preparation
Third-party assessment fees
Details vary by lender, grant program, and funding source, so review each opportunity individually.
CAN THE GOVERNMENT HELP OFFSET CMMC COSTS?
There isn't currently a broadly available federal program that automatically pays for CMMC assessments. However, funding programs and legislation continue to evolve, and new opportunities may become available.
Another option worth exploring is whether certain cybersecurity and CMMC-related expenses can be incorporated into government contract pricing or treated as normal business costs rather than standalone certification expenses. Depending on your contracts, accounting practices, and cost structure, this approach may have a greater financial impact than finding a grant or subsidy.
Because every situation is different, it's best to consult qualified accounting, contracting, or legal professionals regarding your specific circumstances.
ARE THERE STATE OR LOCAL GRANT PROGRAMS?
Depending on where you're located, you may find grants, reimbursement programs, cost-sharing opportunities, or other forms of assistance through state agencies, regional organizations, manufacturing associations, or economic development programs.
You may want to check with:
State economic development agencies
Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) centers
Local chambers of commerce
APEX Accelerators
Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)
Funding may not be labeled as "CMMC funding." You may find opportunities under categories such as:
Cybersecurity
Technology modernization
Manufacturing modernization
Business resiliency
Workforce development
Employee training
Defense industry support
If you're located in Washington State, Impact Washington, the Washington Small Business Development Center, the Washington State Department of Commerce, and the Washington Small Business Resiliency Network may be helpful places to begin. You'll find these links again in the Washington Resources section at the end of this page.
Because funding programs change regularly, be sure to confirm current eligibility requirements, deadlines, and availability directly with the sponsoring organization.
WHAT IS AN SBA LOAN?
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) works with participating lenders to provide financing options for qualifying companies.
If you're investing in technology, equipment, infrastructure, or other improvements related to your business operations, SBA financing may be worth exploring as part of your overall planning process.
More information: Small Business Administration (SBA)
WHAT IS AN APEX ACCELERATOR?
APEX Accelerators are government-funded organizations that help companies pursue government contracting opportunities. Many provide education, guidance, and resources related to federal contracting requirements, including CMMC readiness.
Their services are often available at little or no cost, making them a valuable starting point if you're trying to understand government requirements, identify available assistance programs, and prepare a roadmap.
Find your local APEX Accelerator: APEX Accelerators
WHAT IS PROJECT SPECTRUM?
Project Spectrum is a Department of Defense initiative that offers free educational resources, assessments, training, cybersecurity tools, and advisory support designed to help companies strengthen their security practices and prepare for federal requirements.
Many companies use these resources to evaluate their current environment, identify gaps, prioritize improvements, and better understand CMMC expectations before investing in outside consulting.
More information: Project Spectrum
WHAT IS A MANUFACTURING EXTENSION PARTNERSHIP (MEP)?
The Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) National Network helps manufacturers improve operations, adopt technology, strengthen cybersecurity programs, and remain competitive.
If you're a manufacturer, your local MEP center may offer guidance, training, subsidized programs, or assistance related to cybersecurity, NIST 800-171, CMMC readiness, workforce development, or manufacturing modernization.
In Washington State, the MEP center is Impact Washington, which provides programs and resources designed to help manufacturers improve competitiveness, strengthen operations, pursue modernization initiatives, and navigate technology and cybersecurity challenges.
More information: NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership | Impact Washington
WHAT IS A SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER (SBDC)?
Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) provide business advising, training, planning assistance, and access to resources for small businesses.
Depending on your location, an SBDC advisor may be able to help you identify grant opportunities, financing programs, workforce development resources, and other forms of assistance related to cybersecurity and business growth.
More information: America's SBDC
WHAT IF WE PARTICIPATE IN AN SBIR OR STTR PROGRAM?
If your company participates in the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program or the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program, you may have access to additional technical and business assistance resources.
These programs are designed for companies involved in research and development projects and may offer assistance that can support cybersecurity, technology, or readiness activities.
More information: SBIR/STTR America's Seed Fund
CAN YOU HELP US IDENTIFY FUNDING RESOURCES?
We can help you:
Understand the requirements that may apply to your company
Estimate potential readiness and assessment costs
Evaluate options and priorities
Identify publicly available resources that may be relevant to your situation
Build a practical roadmap for moving forward
If specialized financial, legal, accounting, lending, or grant-writing assistance is needed, we can help you identify the questions to ask.
WHERE SHOULD WE START?
If you're just getting started, consider:
Determining whether CMMC applies to your company.
Understanding which certification level may be required.
Identifying gaps between your current environment and the requirements.
Exploring funding opportunities and assistance programs.
Building a realistic budget and timeline.
Creating a plan that aligns with your business goals, contract requirements, and available resources.
A thorough plan can reduce costs, avoid surprises, and give the best return on investment.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
The organizations below offer educational materials, planning assistance, funding information, business advising, cybersecurity resources, and other tools that may help you identify potential sources of assistance.
As with any program, availability and eligibility requirements can change over time. We recommend verifying current information directly with the organization providing the resource.
National Resources
Washington State Resources
If your company is located in Washington State, these organizations may be particularly helpful.