At the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC), we are dedicated to supporting our clients and community partners with the highest level of professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical integrity. This commitment is fundamental to the trust and success of the SBDC program and is required by our agreements and policies.

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Why Confidentiality Matters

When you work with the Illinois SBDC, you can rest assured that any information you share is handled with the strictest confidence. As a trusted resource for small business development, we value the privacy and proprietary information of our clients. Whether you share business plans, financial records, or future strategies, your information will never be disclosed to outside parties without your permission.

Our advisors are bound by strict confidentiality agreements as a condition of their employment or service. This ensures:

• Protection of sensitive client data – No information about your business, including your relationship with the Illinois SBDC, will be shared with anyone outside the program without your explicit consent.

• Security of proprietary information – Advisors are prohibited from using confidential details about one client to benefit another.

• Data security – Client records and other sensitive information are protected electronically and physically to prevent unauthorized access or misuse.

 

Conflict of Interest and Non-Disclosure Standards

To maintain the integrity and impartiality of our advising services, Illinois SBDC advisors adhere to a strict Conflict of Interest and Non-Disclosure Policy, which they sign yearly as part of our grant agreement. This policy ensures that all services are delivered without personal or financial bias.

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Our staff agree to the following terms as a condition of employment or contracted service:

1. No Financial Conflicts

   • Advisors will not solicit or accept gifts, loans, compensation, or favors from third parties who supply goods or services to SBDC clients.

   • Advisors cannot accept monetary remuneration for their advising services or participate in engagements that might compromise their objectivity.

2. No Recommendations for Personal Gain

   • Advisors cannot recommend goods or services from sources where they hold direct or indirect financial interests.

   • They may not accept fees, commissions, or gifts as a result of recommending specific products or services.

3. No Business or Investment Involvement

   • Advisors will not invest in, advise, or serve as board members for any client business during their tenure with the SBDC.

   • They are prohibited from soliciting private consulting engagements from clients for personal gain during employment.

4. Client Data and Information Security

   • Advisors ensure the security of client records and sensitive information by storing files exclusively in Illinois SBDC Network-approved systems with robust access controls, including strong password protection, two-factor authentication, and restricted access.

   • Confidential information—whether shared verbally, in writing, or electronically—will not be disclosed to non-SBDC personnel without explicit written client permission.

 

Our Promise to You

By upholding these confidentiality and ethical standards, we ensure a safe and professional environment for small business owners to grow and thrive. You can trust that the Illinois SBDC is your partner in success, committed to protecting your business and respecting your privacy at every step.