PRIVACY POLICY

Effective Date: 07/29/2025

The Better Black Business Initiative (hereafter “B3I,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining the trust of our community. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, protect, and disclose personal information through our website (theb3initiative.org, hereafter the “Site”).

By accessing or using our Site, you agree to the terms of this policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the Site.

1. Information We Collect

a. Information You Provide Directly

We collect personal information that you voluntarily share with us, including through:

Contact Forms: name, email, phone number, organization, and comments
Donations: name, email, and billing details (processed via secure third-party platforms)
Event or Newsletter Sign-ups: name and email address

b. Information Collected Automatically

We may collect technical and usage information when you visit the Site, such as:

IP address, browser type, operating system, pages visited, and time spent on the Site
This information is collected using cookies and analytics tools

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

Respond to inquiries and process service or support requests
Facilitate donations, event registrations, and program engagement
Send updates, newsletters, and other relevant communications
Improve website functionality and user experience
Fulfill legal, contractual, and regulatory obligations

3. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell or rent your personal data. We may share information in limited situations:

With trusted service providers (e.g., payment processors, email tools) who support B3I operations
With grantmakers or auditors under confidentiality agreements, for nonprofit compliance
As required by law or legal process
With your explicit consent or request

4. Use in Program Reporting and Evaluation

As a 501(c)(3) public charity, B3I may use aggregated or anonymized data in:

Grant reporting
Impact measurement
Nonprofit audits
Public benefit evaluation

We do not disclose personally identifiable information without consent, unless legally required.

5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

The Site uses cookies and similar technologies to improve performance and monitor usage.

You may disable cookies through your browser settings. Please note that disabling cookies may affect the functionality of some parts of the Site.

6. Data Security

We implement reasonable safeguards—including SSL encryption, secure storage, and restricted access protocols—to protect your personal information. However, no system is completely secure. By using the Site, you acknowledge this risk.

7. Retention of Personal Data

We retain personal data only as long as necessary to:

Fulfill the purposes for which it was collected
Comply with legal, tax, or regulatory obligations

We regularly review and securely dispose of records no longer needed.

8. Your Rights and Choices

You may:

Opt out of non-essential emails using unsubscribe links or by contacting us directly
Request access, correction, or deletion of your personal data
Object to processing or request a data export by emailing [email protected]

We honor such requests in compliance with applicable laws.

9. Youth Privacy and Protection

a. Children’s Online Privacy (COPPA)

This Site is not intended for children under age 13. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children online. If such information is identified, it will be deleted promptly.

b. Youth Program Participation

For youth under 18 participating in B3I programs, we collect only necessary enrollment information and obtain parental or guardian consent when applicable. No sensitive information from minors is collected through the Site.

10. Sensitive Data for Supportive Services

If B3I collects optional information related to system involvement, reentry status, or personal hardship as part of a program intake process, such information:

Is used solely to connect individuals with appropriate services or mentorship
Is stored securely and never shared without explicit consent (except as required by law)

11. Accessibility and Non-Discrimination

B3I ensures digital content is accessible to users of all abilities. We do not discriminate in our services or data practices based on race, gender, age, disability, reentry status, or any legally protected class.

12. Minnesota-Specific Privacy Practices

As a Minnesota-based nonprofit, B3I adheres to relevant state laws and data guidelines, and is committed to ethical, transparent data use with respect to all Minnesota residents.

13. International Data Transfers

If you are located outside of the United States, your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the U.S. By using our Site, you consent to such transfers.

14. Legal and Regulatory Compliance

We comply with applicable U.S. privacy laws, including:

Minnesota Statutes (where applicable)
Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)
California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) for eligible users
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for EU residents

B3I does not provide financial, legal, medical, or clinical advice through its website or programs.

15. Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may revise this policy from time to time. If we make material changes, we will post the updated version here with a new effective date and, when appropriate, notify you via email or pop-up notification.