Client Code of Conduct
Effective Date: June 8, 2026
Introduction
Welcome to Cleveland Business Mentors (CBM). Our mission is to empower individuals and cultivate thriving small business communities through unparalleled mentoring and education. To ensure a productive, safe, and respectful environment for everyone involved, all clients (mentees) are required to adhere to this Code of Conduct throughout their participation in our programs.
Core Commitment to Engagement
CBM is committed to unlocking your entrepreneurial potential through high-quality mentoring experiences. To maximize the impact of this program, clients are expected to:
- Be Prepared: Come to mentoring sessions on time, with clear goals, updates on action plans, and specific challenges to discuss.
- Be Proactive: Actively drive the mentoring relationship. While mentors provide guidance based on strategic experiences, you are responsible for the ultimate decisions and operations of your business.
- Establish Excellence: Work collaboratively with your mentor to set reliable meeting schedules, respect their volunteer time, and celebrate milestone achievements together.
Professionalism and Respect
In alignment with our values of Integrity and Community, clients must maintain a professional demeanor in all interactions with mentors, board members, staff, and fellow entrepreneurs::
- Treat all participants with dignity and respect, regardless of background.
- Communicate clearly, honestly, and constructively.
- Respect the professional boundaries of your mentor. Recognize that mentors are volunteer advisors, not free outsourced labor or legally binding consultants.
Confidentiality and Trust
Trust is the foundation of the CBM mentoring relationship.
- Mutual Protection: Just as mentors are bound to protect your proprietary business data and personal information, you must respect the privacy of your mentor.
- Proprietary Information: Do not share any personal contact information, proprietary methodologies, or private data shared by your mentor outside of the mentoring environment without explicit written permission.
Ethics and Integrity
- Honesty: Provide accurate and truthful information regarding your business status, challenges, and financial data during the intake and mentoring process.
- Compliance: Ensure that your business operations comply with local, state, and federal laws. CBM will not support or condone illegal business practices.
Issue Resolution and Compliance
We understand that misunderstandings can occasionally occur. CBM utilizes a tiered conflict resolution system to address issues fairly and orderly. Be aware that you may, at any time, request a different mentor, without question.
If a client fails to uphold this Code of Conduct, the following actions will be taken depending on the severity of the violation:
Tier 1: Informal
- Type of Violation: Minor misunderstandings, missed meetings, or scheduling friction.
- Resolution: Resolved directly between client and mentor.
Tier 2: Facilitated
- Type of Violation: Recurring engagement issues, persistent lack of communication, or minor breaches of conduct.
- Resolution: Addressed and mediated by the Committee Chair or Executive Director.
Tier 3: Formal
- Type of Violation: Harassment, ethical violations, discrimination, or severe breaches of confidentiality.
- Resolution: Reviewed by the Board Ethics Committee and may result in removal.