Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) Template for Small Businesses

A non-disclosure agreement (NDA) is a contract that protects confidential information you share with a client, contractor, employee or business partner. This attorney-written NDA template helps you set clear expectations before you share anything sensitive.

You've spent years building your ideas, processes and client relationships. Before you share them with a new designer, VA, collaborator or potential partner, put your expectations in writing.

Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA), also known as Confidentiality Agreements, Proprietary Information Agreements, Secrecy Agreements. Non-Disclosure Agreements are usually used between two or more parties. An NDA is a legal agreement which defines information that the parties wish to protect, outlines restrictions and additional terms.  If you are sharing standard operating procedures, processes, unpublished data or other confidential information, you should protect your rights by having an NDA in place.

Who it's for: business owners hiring contractors, pitching partners, sharing product ideas or giving team members access to client information.

What it helps cover:

• What counts as confidential information
• How the information can and can't be used
• How long confidentiality lasts
• Return or deletion of information when the relationship ends
  

FAQ

When should I use an NDA?

Before sharing confidential business information with anyone outside your business, such as a freelancer, partner or potential investor.

Is an NDA the same as a non-compete?

No. An NDA protects information; a non-compete restricts working with competitors, which is regulated differently by state.

Can I edit this template?

Yes, it's designed for you to add your business details.