Small Business Resources

The Detroit region is known around the world for entrepreneurship and innovation – making it a great place to do business. As one of the largest chambers of commerce in the nation, the Detroit Regional Chamber is uniquely positioned to offer the knowledge, resources, and capabilities to help start, expand and cultivate small businesses. Whether have an established company or a startup or want to explore opportunities for starting a new business, the Chamber can help every step of the way.

With 92% of Chamber members made up of small companies, the Chamber connects Southeast Michigan’s business community and helps its members grow their businesses through a broad range of best-practice sharing, networking and advocacy programs and events. The Chamber collaborates with companies and organizations to build a strong community for small businesses, their employees, customers, and other community members. Chamber programs in workforce preparedness, education and economic development ensure businesses have the support and resources to succeed now and in the future.

As one of the largest chambers of commerce in the country, the Detroit Regional Chamber offers a vast portfolio of member benefits in the form of products, discounts and services that might otherwise be out of reach. Through strategic partnerships, the Chamber maximizes buying power and resources through an affiliate program that extends products and services to local chambers of commerce and diversity organizations across the country. A Chamber membership enables small business owners to tap into these benefits for employees and business alike.

Interested in speaking at a future Chamber event? Please fill out and submit the Speaker Proposal Form.

Security threats to information systems and the number of network intrusions have increased greatly in the past few years. Any small business with a broadband Internet connection needs to guard against becoming a cyber-crime victim.

Here are seven simple, effective steps that small business owners and network administrators can take to protect their systems.

1. Implement a firewall: A firewall is a barrier that keeps hackers and viruses out of computer networks. Firewalls intercept network traffic and allow only authorized data to pass through.
2. Develop a corporate security policy: Establish a corporate security policy that details practices to secure the network. The policy should direct employees to choose unique passwords that are a combination of letters and numbers. Passwords should be changed every 90 days to limit hackers’ ability to gain possession of a functioning password. When someone leaves the company, immediately delete the user name and password. The corporate policy should outline consequences for network tampering and unauthorized entry.
3. Install anti-virus software: All computers should run the most recent version of an anti-virus protection subscription. Ideally, a server should be configured to push virus updates out periodically to all client systems. Employees should be educated about viruses and discouraged from opening e-mail attachments or e-mail from unknown senders.
4. Keep operating systems up to date: Upgrade operating systems frequently and regularly install the latest patches or versions of software, which are often free over the Web. If using Microsoft Windows, check www.windowsupdate.com periodically for the latest patches. If using Apple, please visit www.apple.com/softwareupdate/.
5. Don’t run unnecessary network services: When installing systems, any non-essential features should be disabled. If a feature is installed but not actively used, it is less likely to be updated regularly, presenting a larger security threat. Also, allow only the software employees need to do their job effectively.
6. Conduct a vulnerability test: Conducting a vulnerability test is a cost-effective way to evaluate the current security program. This test highlights flaws and limitations in the program, and experts can offer suggestions for improvement. The best method for conducting a vulnerability test is to contact a computer consulting company and provide access to your system for a day or two. This will provide ample time for network appraisal and follow-up discussion and planning.
7. Stay informed about network security: Below are a number of resources to learn more about how your business can avoid cyber attacks and network intrusions.
   • 9 Cyber Security Tips for Small Business Owners: The Small Business Administration gives their 9 essential tips for every small business owner to prevent becoming a cyber-crime victim.
   • Cybersecurity for Small Business: The Federal Communications Commission provides multiple resources for small business owners including an online guide to developing a company-wide cybersecurity plan.
   • Michigan Cyber Security Range: The Michigan Cyber Security Range enables businesses to conduct exercises and simulations that will test the detection and reaction skills of participants in a variety of cybersecurity situations.
   • Lohrmann on Cybersecurity & Infrastructure: Daniel Lohrmann is the Chief Security Officer for the State of Michigan. His blog, Government Technology, details the best tips to implement cybersecurity programs.
   • Top 20 Critical Security Controls: The SANS Institute specializes in internet security training. SANS provides a continually updated “Top 20 Critical Security Controls” in order to educate businesses about the latest threats to cybersecurity.
   • Cyber Criminals are Getting Smarter, Organized and More Sophisticated: This article examines the new methods cyber criminals are utilizing to hack individuals in the business world, featuring screenshots and specific examples.