Privacy Policy

Last Updated: January 2, 2026

Next Step Funding ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or use our services.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Personal Information

We may collect personally identifiable information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:

• Apply for financing or funding programs
• Register for our services
• Fill out forms on our website
• Subscribe to our newsletter or communications
• Contact us for support or inquiries

This information may include:

• Full name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Mailing address
• Social Security Number or Tax ID
• Date of birth
• Driver's license information
• Business information (business name, EIN, years in business, revenue)
• Financial information (bank account details, credit score, income, assets, liabilities)
• Employment information
• Tax returns and W-2 forms
• Business bank statements
• Credit reports

1.2 Financial and Credit Information

To evaluate your eligibility for our funding programs, we collect:

• Credit reports from major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion)
• Bank account information and statements
• Income verification documents
• Business financial records
• Payment history

1.3 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain information about your device and browsing activity:

• IP address
• Browser type and version
• Operating system
• Pages visited and time spent on pages
• Referral source
• Device identifiers
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

2.1 To Provide Our Services

• Process and evaluate loan and funding applications
• Verify your identity and conduct background checks
• Assess creditworthiness and eligibility
• Match you with appropriate funding programs
• Communicate with you about your application status
• Facilitate credit partner matching services

2.2 To Improve Our Services

• Analyze website usage and user behavior
• Develop new products and services
• Improve user experience
• Conduct market research and analytics

2.3 For Communication

• Send you service-related notifications
• Respond to your inquiries and support requests
• Provide customer service
• Send marketing communications (with your consent)
• Notify you of new programs, services, or opportunities

2.4 For Legal and Compliance Purposes

• Comply with legal obligations and regulatory requirements
• Prevent fraud and unauthorized transactions
• Enforce our terms and conditions
• Protect our rights and property
• Respond to legal processes

3. How We Share Your Information

We may share your information with third parties in the following circumstances:

3.1 Service Providers and Partners

• Lenders and Financing Partners: To process your loan applications and funding requests
• Credit Bureaus: To obtain credit reports and verify information
• Payment Processors: To facilitate financial transactions
• Technology Service Providers: For website hosting, data storage, and IT services
• Credit Partners: When you participate in our credit partner program
• Professional Advisors: Including attorneys, accountants, and consultants

3.2 Business Transfers

If we are involved in a merger, acquisition, sale of assets, or bankruptcy, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.

3.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information when required by law, court order, or government request, or when we believe disclosure is necessary to:

• Comply with legal obligations
• Protect our rights and property
• Prevent fraud or illegal activities
• Protect the safety of our users or the public

3.4 With Your Consent

We may share your information with other third parties when you have given us explicit consent to do so.

4. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Encryption of sensitive data (SSL/TLS)
• Secure server infrastructure
• Regular security audits and assessments
• Access controls and authentication
• Employee training on data protection
• Secure document storage and disposal procedures

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience on our website:

Types of Cookies We Use:

• Essential Cookies: Necessary for website functionality
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our site
• Marketing Cookies: Used to track visitors across websites for advertising purposes
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may affect the functionality of our website.

6. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:

6.1 Access and Correction

• Request access to the personal information we hold about you
• Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information

6.2 Deletion

• Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal and contractual obligations)

6.3 Data Portability

• Request a copy of your data in a structured, commonly used format

6.4 Opt-Out Rights

• Unsubscribe from marketing communications
• Opt out of certain data sharing practices
• Disable cookies through browser settings

6.5 California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act:

• Right to know what personal information is collected
• Right to know if personal information is sold or disclosed
• Right to opt-out of the sale of personal information
• Right to non-discrimination for exercising your rights

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information provided below.

7. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites and services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

8. Children's Privacy

Our services are not intended for individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that we have collected information from a child under 18, we will take steps to delete that information promptly.

9. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to:

• Provide our services to you
• Comply with legal obligations (typically 7 years for financial records)
• Resolve disputes and enforce agreements
• Maintain accurate business records

When your information is no longer needed, we will securely delete or anonymize it.

10. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have different data protection laws. By using our services, you consent to the transfer of your information to the United States and other countries where we operate.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of any material changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on our website
• Updating the "Last Updated" date
• Sending you an email notification (for significant changes)

Your continued use of our services after any changes indicates your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

12. Do Not Track Signals

Some browsers include a "Do Not Track" (DNT) feature. Our website does not currently respond to DNT signals. However, you can control cookies and tracking through your browser settings.

13. Credit Partner Program Privacy

If you participate in our Credit Partner Program:

• Your credit information will be shared with businesses seeking funding
• You will be introduced to potential business partners
• You are responsible for negotiating your own agreements
• We act as an intermediary and are not responsible for third-party agreements

14. Consent to Credit Checks

By submitting an application, you authorize us to:

• Obtain your credit reports from credit bureaus
• Verify information with third parties
• Share your information with potential lenders
• Conduct background checks as needed

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16. Specific State Privacy Rights

California Residents (CCPA/CPRA)

In addition to the rights listed above, California residents have the right to:

• Request disclosure of categories and specific pieces of personal information collected
• Request deletion of personal information (with certain exceptions)
• Opt-out of the sale/sharing of personal information
• Limit use of sensitive personal information
• Non-discrimination for exercising privacy rights

Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut, and Utah Residents

Residents of these states have similar rights including access, correction, deletion, and opt-out rights under their respective state privacy laws.

17. Consent

By using our website and services, you hereby consent to our Privacy Policy and agree to its terms.

© 2017 - 2026 Next Step Funding. All rights reserved.

Last Updated: January 02, 2026. Contact support@nextstepfunding.io for data inquiries.