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Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Black Business Ventures Association ("BBVA," "we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring you have a positive experience on our website and when interacting with our organization. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, disclose, and otherwise handle personal information when you visit our website, use our online services, participate in our programs, and communicate with us through any channel.

BBVA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Black entrepreneurs throughout their entrepreneurship journey. We provide coaching, advisory services, ecosystem connections, and educational programming through initiatives such as Evolve Labs, pitch competitions, and other support programs.

Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. If you do not agree with our practices, please do not use our website or services. By accessing our website and providing us with personal information, you consent to the practices described in this policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

We collect information that you voluntarily provide to us through various means:

Program Registration and Applications

  • Name, email address, and phone number
  • Business name and description
  • Industry and stage of development
  • Personal biography and entrepreneurial background
  • Educational background and professional experience
  • Social media handles and website URLs

Website Forms and Contact Requests

  • Name, email address, and phone number
  • Company or organization name
  • Message content and inquiry type
  • Any attachments you upload

Email Communications

  • Email address and message content
  • Subject matter and attachments
  • Communication history with BBVA

Event Registration and Attendance

  • Name, email, and phone number
  • Event preferences and dietary restrictions
  • Company/organization affiliation
  • Attendance records

Newsletter and Mailing List Subscriptions

  • Email address and name
  • Topic preferences and interests
  • Engagement and open rates (if tracked)

Surveys, Feedback, and Testimonials

  • Survey responses and feedback
  • Testimonial content and permission to use
  • Program satisfaction ratings

2.2 Information from Third Parties

In certain circumstances, we may receive information about you from third parties:

  • Ecosystem Partners: Information shared by other nonprofit organizations, incubators, accelerators, or government agencies (with your consent or as required by our partnerships)
  • Referral Sources: Information provided by individuals or organizations that refer you to BBVA
  • Government Programs: Data received from the Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) and related government initiatives
  • Public Sources: Information publicly available on your social media profiles, business websites, or public directories

3. How We Collect Information

We collect information through the following channels:

  • Our Website: Through forms, registration pages, contact forms, and intake applications
  • Email: When you send us email messages or respond to our communications
  • Phone: During phone calls with BBVA staff members
  • In-Person: At events, workshops, coaching sessions, and office visits
  • Social Media: When you interact with our social media accounts or send direct messages
  • SMS/Text Messages: When you opt in to receive text message communications
  • Video Conferencing: During virtual coaching sessions, interviews, or meetings conducted via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or similar platforms

4. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

4.1 Service Delivery

  • Processing program applications and registrations
  • Delivering coaching, mentoring, and advisory services
  • Scheduling and confirming appointments, sessions, and events
  • Providing educational resources and content
  • Facilitating introductions and connections within our ecosystem
  • Managing pitch competitions, pitch events, and demo days

4.2 Communication

  • Responding to your inquiries and requests
  • Sending service updates, reminders, and confirmations
  • Providing program updates and newsletters (with your consent)
  • Sharing relevant opportunities and resources
  • Sending SMS messages for program-related purposes (with opt-in consent)
  • Sending emails about events, workshops, and programs

4.3 Program Administration

  • Maintaining records of your program participation
  • Tracking progress and outcomes
  • Evaluating program effectiveness and impact
  • Ensuring compliance with program requirements and funder obligations
  • Managing data required by government programs and funding partners

4.4 Marketing and Promotion

  • Promoting BBVA's programs and services
  • Sharing success stories and case studies (with your consent)
  • Featuring your business on our website and social media (with consent)
  • Inviting you to events and networking opportunities
  • Sending promotional materials and announcements (with opt-in consent)

4.5 Legal and Compliance

  • Complying with legal obligations and government requests
  • Fulfilling funding agreements and reporting requirements
  • Preventing fraud and ensuring security
  • Enforcing our Terms of Engagement and website terms
  • Protecting the rights, property, and safety of BBVA and our community

4.6 Analytics and Improvement

  • Analyzing usage patterns and website performance
  • Improving our website, programs, and services
  • Conducting research on entrepreneurship and program outcomes
  • Generating aggregated, de-identified reports and insights

5. Communication Channels and Your Choices

5.1 Email Communications

Types of Email Messages

We may send you the following types of emails:

  • Service Updates: Program schedules, coaching session confirmations, and important deadlines
  • Newsletters: Regular updates on BBVA programs, opportunities, and entrepreneurship resources
  • Promotional Emails: Invitations to events, new programs, and relevant opportunities
  • Educational Content: Tips, guides, and resources for entrepreneurs

Email Preferences

  • Newsletters and promotional emails can be managed through email preferences
  • Each email includes an "Unsubscribe" link allowing you to opt out
  • You can manage your preferences by contacting us directly

5.2 SMS/Text Message Communications

Opt-In Requirement

We only send SMS messages to users who have explicitly opted in. When you provide your phone number and consent to receive SMS communications, you agree to receive text messages from BBVA.

Types of SMS Messages

  • Coaching session reminders and scheduling confirmations
  • Program updates and announcements
  • Event reminders and registration confirmations
  • Time-sensitive deadline reminders
  • Pitch competition updates and feedback
  • Administrative information necessary for program participation

Message Frequency and Rates

  • Message frequency depends on your level of program participation.
  • Standard message and data rates apply. Contact your mobile carrier for details about your SMS plan and any associated charges
  • BBVA is not responsible for carrier charges

Opt-Out Options

  • Reply "STOP" to any SMS message to unsubscribe (preferred method)
  • Contact us via email at hello@blackventures.ca
  • Call us using the contact information provided below
  • Use our online contact form to request SMS opt-out

After you opt out, you will receive a confirmation message, and we will stop sending SMS messages within 10 business days. Note that opting out of SMS may affect your ability to receive timely program updates, session reminders, and important deadlines.

5.3 Phone Communications

  • We may call you to schedule coaching sessions, confirm appointments, or discuss program matters
  • Calls are typically made during business hours (Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM Mountain Time)
  • You can request that we contact you primarily by email or another method by informing your coach or BBVA staff

5.4 Social Media Communications

  • We may send direct messages through social media platforms (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter/X)
  • Public comments on our social media posts are visible to other users
  • For sensitive matters, we recommend communicating through email instead

5.5 In-Person Communications

  • Information shared during coaching sessions, workshops, and events is subject to confidentiality agreements outlined in our Terms of Engagement
  • We may take photos or videos at events (with consent) for promotional purposes

6. Information Sharing and Disclosure

6.1 Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) and Government Partners

As part of BBVA's mandate and funding obligations, we share certain information with:

  • The Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) – a Government of Canada initiative
  • The BEP Knowledge Hub
  • The Black Loan Fund (operated by FACE – Federation of African Canadian Economics)

Shared Information Limited To: Name, company name, basic contact information, and program participation status. We do not share confidential business details or proprietary information without your explicit consent.

By participating in BBVA programs, you acknowledge and consent to this sharing as necessary for our operations and compliance with government partnerships.

6.2 Ecosystem Partners and Service Providers

BBVA actively engages with the broader entrepreneurship ecosystem, including other nonprofits, incubators, accelerators, private sector partners, and support agencies. In pursuing additional resources and opportunities on your behalf, we may share:

  • Non-Confidential Information: Summary-level information about your business or project to identify potential support and connections
  • Consent-Based Sharing: When we believe a specific connection would benefit you, we seek your explicit consent before sharing more detailed or sensitive information

We do not share proprietary information, detailed financial data, or confidential business details without your explicit written consent.

6.3 Service Providers and Technology Platforms

We use third-party service providers to operate our website, manage communications, and deliver services. These providers include:

  • Email Service Providers: For sending newsletters and program updates
  • SMS Platforms: Microsoft-based systems and other carriers for text message delivery
  • Website Hosting: Cloud hosting and server providers
  • Video Conferencing: Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and similar platforms for virtual sessions
  • Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Software for managing participant information and communications
  • Payment Processing: For donations, event registration fees, or program payments
  • Analytics: Google Analytics and similar tools for website usage analysis

All service providers are contractually required to:

  • Use your information only to provide services to BBVA
  • Maintain confidentiality and security of your data
  • Comply with all applicable privacy laws
  • Not share your information with third parties without authorization

6.4 Legal Compliance and Law Enforcement

We may disclose your information if required by law, court order, government request, or legal process. We will attempt to notify you of such requests unless legally prohibited.

6.5 Aggregated and De-Identified Data

We may use and share aggregated, de-identified data that cannot identify you personally. This includes:

  • Statistical information about program outcomes and impact
  • Trends in entrepreneurship and business development
  • Website usage analytics and performance metrics

6.6 What We Do NOT Do

  • We do not sell your personal information to third parties
  • We do not rent or trade your contact information for marketing purposes
  • We do not share your information with unaffiliated organizations without your consent
  • We do not disclose confidential business information without explicit permission

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8. Your Rights and Choices

8.1 Correction and Updates

You have the right to request correction of any inaccurate, incomplete, or outdated information. We will update your information promptly upon receipt of a verified correction request.

8.2 Deletion and Opt-Out

You have the right to request deletion of your personal information, subject to certain limitations:

  • We may need to retain information for legal, regulatory, or contractual obligations
  • Information necessary for ongoing program participation may not be deleted during your active participation
  • You can request deletion by contacting us

8.3 Withdrawal of Consent

If we process your information based on your consent (such as for marketing communications or media features), you may withdraw that consent at any time by contacting us. This will not affect the lawfulness of processing based on consent given before withdrawal.

8.4 Opt-Out of Marketing Communications

You can opt out of promotional emails, newsletters, and marketing communications by:

  • Clicking the "Unsubscribe" link in any email
  • Replying "STOP" to SMS messages
  • Contacting us at hello@blackventures.ca
  • Using our online preference management form

Please allow 10 business days for your preferences to be updated across all our systems.

9. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

9.1 What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small files stored on your device that help us recognize you, remember your preferences, and understand how you use our website.

9.2 Types of Cookies

Essential Cookies

These are necessary for basic website functionality and cannot be disabled. They include session cookies that maintain your login and form data.

Analytics Cookies

We use Google Analytics and similar tools to understand website usage, traffic patterns, and user behavior. This information helps us improve our website and services.

9.3 Third-Party Cookies

Our website may contain links to third-party websites and embedded content (such as YouTube videos, social media widgets). These third parties may set their own cookies on your device. BBVA is not responsible for third-party cookies or their privacy practices. Review their privacy policies for more information.

9.4 Managing Cookies

You can control cookie settings through your browser:

  • Chrome: Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies and other site data
  • Firefox: Options → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
  • Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
  • Edge: Settings → Privacy → Cookies and other site data

Disabling cookies may affect website functionality. You can also opt out of Google Analytics tracking by downloading the Google Analytics Opt-Out Browser Add-On.

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10. Third-Party Links and Services

10.1 External Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, applications, and services (social media platforms, partner organizations, educational resources, etc.). BBVA is not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites.

10.2 Third-Party Privacy Policies

We recommend reviewing the privacy policies of any third-party website before providing your information. Their privacy practices may differ significantly from ours.

10.3 Social Media Integrations

Our website may include social media buttons or widgets (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter/X). If you click these buttons while logged into social media, those platforms may collect information about your visit to our site. Review their privacy policies for more information.

11. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, wish to exercise your privacy rights, need to update your information, or have privacy concerns, please contact us:

Email

hello@blackventures.ca

Mailing Address

Black Business Ventures Association

Scotia Place, Tower 1

10060 Jasper Avenue

Edmonton, AB T5J 3R8

Canada

Online Contact Form

You can also submit privacy inquiries through our website at blackventures.ca/contact.

Response Time

We aim to respond to all privacy inquiries, data access requests, and opt-out requests within 10 business days. For complex or detailed requests, we may need additional time to verify your identity and gather the necessary information, in which case we will notify you of the extended timeline.