— SPECIALIZED CONSULTING FIRM · PARIS · EUROPE
VSB compliance: Turn a constraint into a commercial advantage
Eterra Partners helps small business leaders structure their compliance to reassure clients, banks and partners. An approach designed for your scale, without unnecessary complexity.
Let’s talk about your situation
Why compliance also concerns small businesses
Compliance means complying with the laws and regulations governing your business. It is often thought to be reserved for large companies. The reality is more nuanced.
A contracting party now requires proof of integrity
Your major corporate clients are subject to strict requirements, such as the 2016 Sapin 2 anti-corruption law. This law requires them to assess the integrity of their partners, known as “third parties”. In practical terms, a contracting party, in other words a large corporate client, will ask you for proof. Without it, you risk losing a contract to a better-prepared competitor. Our compliance consulting firm structures this evidence for you, simply and effectively.
The criminal liability of the business leader, regardless of company size
Corruption or influence peddling remain criminal offences, regardless of the size of the company. A VSB leader therefore assumes personal criminal liability, just like the head of a large corporation. Ignoring the issue offers no protection. Conversely, a clear allocation of responsibilities significantly reduces this legal risk.
A guarantee of trust for your clients, banks and partners
Visible compliance reassures people far beyond your clients. Your banks, insurers and future investors see it as a sign of seriousness. This trust facilitates access to financing and smooths your business relationships.
The priority compliance issues for a VSB
There is no need to address everything at once. For a small business, a few well-chosen projects already cover the essential risks.
Code of conduct and due diligence on your third parties
The first project is a code of conduct, a short document that sets out your internal ethical rules. It specifies what is acceptable regarding gifts, invitations or sensitive payments. This is complemented by basic due diligence on your third parties: knowing who you are really working with. This assessment remains proportionate, adapted to your industry and your actual resources.
Prevention of conflicts of interest
Business ethics also covers conflicts of interest. A conflict exists when a personal interest interferes with a professional decision. A simple disclosure rule is often enough to prevent the issue. When well designed, this transparency supports your corporate governance and safeguards your day-to-day decisions.
A simple and proportionate system
A whistleblowing system allows an employee to report misconduct with confidence. The law requires it above a certain workforce threshold, but it remains useful for any organization. For a VSB, a clear and confidential channel is more than sufficient. The goal is not administrative complexity, but early detection of problems.
Make your compliance a true asset
Compliance at your scale, without administrative overload
We deploy operational solutions, working closely with your teams. The approach is progressive: first the essentials, then we build on them according to your needs. This allows you to outsource the complexity without adding to your workload or budget. You keep time for your core business, and 94% of our clients say they are satisfied.
Your support in 4 steps
A clear method, designed for business leaders who are short on time.
01
Contact
A first no-obligation discussion to understand your situation.
02
Exploration and validation
In-depth analysis of your needs and regulatory exposure.
03
Strategy design
A tailor-made strategy, designed in close collaboration with you.
04
Deployment and monitoring
Operational implementation and monitoring for sustainable compliance.
Why choose Eterra as your compliance consulting firm?
Eterra Partners combines three complementary areas of expertise: regulatory compliance, corporate governance, and European funding. This cross-disciplinary approach allows us to offer a service that goes beyond simple consulting.
- Senior and independent expertise
We cross-reference these three domains to offer a cross-disciplinary approach that goes beyond the traditional consulting framework.
- Specialization in European funds
Few governance consulting firms also have a thorough understanding of how European funding works. This dual expertise is at the heart of Eterra Partners’ added value. We help you turn good governance into an advantage for your sustainable development and innovation projects.
- Active institutional network
Eterra Partners maintains relationships with key players in the European and institutional ecosystem. This network facilitates your procedures and accelerates access to funding opportunities.
- 360° GRC approach
Governance, risk management, compliance: our integrated approach covers the entire spectrum. Rather than addressing each issue in isolation, we build a coherent framework that secures your organization over the long term.
With 94% of satisfied clients, Eterra’s areas of expertise provide comprehensive support, from auditing to operational implementation. Our goal: creating sustainable value for your company, with complete transparency of information.
— SPECIALIZED CONSULTING FIRM · PARIS · EUROPE
Get in touch with our VSB compliance experts.
Contact Eterra Partners for a first confidential discussion. We analyze your situation and provide you with a clear roadmap tailored to your challenges and your industry.
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Discover our practical tips and the latest trends to help you stay informed in the area of governance and compliance.
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YOUR QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions from VSB leaders
Before contacting us, you may have these questions. Here are direct answers from our senior consultants.
Is a VSB legally required to become compliant?
It depends on the issue. Some requirements apply to all companies, while others mainly arise from the requirements of your contracting parties. In both cases, acting early protects your business.
How much does support from a VSB compliance firm cost?
The cost depends on your size and actual challenges. We favor a proportionate approach, focused on the essentials, for a controlled investment.
Is GDPR the only compliance issue for a VSB?
No, far from it. GDPR governs personal data, but compliance goes much further. Anti-corruption, ethics and whistleblowing systems matter just as much.
Do we need to appoint a DPO or a dedicated department?
Not necessarily. A DPO, or Data Protection Officer, is only required in certain cases.