Cyber Grants Alliance opens sponsor and speaker call for CMMC Grant Summit 2026

Cyber Grants Alliance is seeking sponsors and presenters for a free virtual CMMC Grant Summit in August 2026, with a follow-up event planned for October. The event targets small and mid-sized defense manufacturers that need help finding grant funding and meeting upcoming CMMC compliance requirements.

Why it matters: - Small and mid-sized Defense Industrial Base manufacturers face growing pressure to prepare for Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Level 1 and Level 2 requirements. - Cyber Grants Alliance says the summit is aimed at helping contractors find grant funding and compliance resources before CMMC clauses appear in DoD contracts in Q4 2026. - The event is designed to connect manufacturers directly with MEP Centers, Apex Accelerators, C3PAOs and other CMMC service providers.

What happened: - Cyber Grants Alliance opened applications for Presenting Sponsors, Manufacturing Extension Partnership grant specialists and Certified Third Party Assessment Organizations to participate in CMMC Grant Summit 2026. - The first free virtual summit is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. EST. - A second event is planned for Oct. 21, 2026, with a focus on real-world examples and testimonials from manufacturers that completed the grant and compliance process. - The summit is limited in attendance to keep the sessions focused and interactive.

The details: - The summit's core session, “CMMC Grants for DIB Manufacturers,” will cover what funding exists, who qualifies, how to apply and examples from manufacturers that have completed the process. - CGA is inviting representatives from Apex Accelerators and MEP Centers with active CMMC-related grant programs to present. - Presenting sponsorships are available to C3PAOs, CMMC compliance platforms, GRC vendors and independent CMMC consultants serving the Defense Industrial Base. - Presenting Sponsors get a 15-minute speaking slot at each of the two 2026 virtual summits. - Each session includes live audience Q&A. - CGA will record, edit and redistribute the sessions through its newsletter, LinkedIn and on-demand content library for a full year after the events. - The audience includes small to midsize manufacturing executives and operations leaders with active or pending DoD contracts. - Attendees range from newly aware of CMMC requirements to being in mid-assessment. - Presenting Sponsors do not pitch or sell during the event. - CGA says the format is education-first and meant to build brand authority and thought leadership with DIB decision-makers. - Rick Dassler, executive director of Cyber Grants Alliance, said too many small manufacturers lack the knowledge, resources and budgets needed to stay compliant. - Dassler said the summit is intended to help reduce losses from market attrition and margin pressure.

Between the lines: - The open call suggests CGA sees a gap between federal cybersecurity requirements and the support many smaller manufacturers need to meet them. - The sponsorship model appears built to attract technical experts and service providers while preserving the event's educational focus. - The repeated emphasis on grant education signals that funding access is becoming part of the CMMC readiness conversation, not just a side issue.

What's next: - Interested MEP representatives, C3PAOs and other eligible organizations must apply through a scheduled conversation to confirm mission fit and audience value. - Sponsorship slots are first-come, first-served, and the first confirmed Presenting Sponsor gets first choice of speaking slot at both events. - Presenter Sponsor and Corporate Sponsor Applications: cybergrantsalliance.org/cmmcsponsorship - Apex Accelerator and MEP representatives interested in presenting can email Communitypresenters@cybergrantsalliance.org. - Information about the CMMC Grant Summit is available at cybergrantsalliance.org/cmmcsummit - Cyber Grants Alliance said the summit is part of its broader nonprofit mission to help small and mid-size businesses navigate cybersecurity compliance and access grant funding.