Creates a grant program for employers to enhance cybersecurity

HB 2173 establishes a grant program administered by the Missouri Department of Economic Development to help employers improve their cybersecurity measures. The program offers one-time grants covering up to 90% of eligible costs, with a maximum award of $15,000 per employer and a total annual funding cap of $10 million. Half of the available funds are reserved for small businesses with between one and 50 employees, and applications must be submitted online starting March 1, 2025. Eligible expenses include hardware, software, external services, training, and salaries related to cybersecurity, while grants are restricted to projects benefiting Missouri-based employees and locations. Recipients must provide documentation detailing their cybersecurity plans and report how the funds were spent within one year of receiving the award.