Startups & Small Teams Compliance Consulting Services
Security Compliance for Startups & Small Teams

For fast-growing startups and agile small teams, building a robust security compliance program from the ground up can seem daunting. At Hicks Engineering, we understand the unique challenges you face – limited resources, competing priorities, and the need to quickly establish trust with customers and partners. We specialize in helping emerging companies create foundational compliance programs that not only meet critical industry standards but also scale with your growth, providing you with a dedicated facilitator to drive your engagements to successful completion.

About Our Approach

Our approach is designed for efficiency and clarity. We don't just provide a checklist; we act as an extension of your team, helping you build a security and compliance posture from scratch when needed. We focus on practical, implementable solutions that align with your business objectives, ensuring you establish the necessary controls and documentation without diverting precious internal resources. Our dedicated facilitators work side-by-side with you, guiding every step of the process from initial assessment to audit readiness and continuous improvement.

Our Compliance Services for Startups & Small Teams

We offer tailored compliance services to help startups and small teams establish credibility and meet key industry and regulatory requirements:

Building Foundational Compliance Programs:
  • Security Program Development: We help you establish core security policies, procedures, and controls from scratch, covering areas like access management, incident response, vulnerability management, and data protection.
  • Risk Assessment & Management: Conduct initial risk assessments to identify critical vulnerabilities and provide strategies for effective risk mitigation, building a proactive security stance.
  • Vendor Security Management: Implement processes for assessing and managing the security posture of your third-party vendors, crucial for supply chain integrity.
Key Certification & Attestation Support:
  • SOC 2 Readiness & Assistance: We guide you through the complexities of achieving SOC 2 (Service Organization Control 2) compliance, including preparing for Type 1 and Type 2 audits. This attestation is vital for demonstrating trust and security to enterprise clients and partners.
  • HECVAT Completion Support: For EdTech startups targeting higher education, we assist with completing the Higher Education Community Vendor Assessment Toolkit (HECVAT), helping you streamline sales by proactively addressing university security, privacy, and accessibility requirements.
  • VPAT Accessibility Testing & ACR: We provide expert VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template) testing and generate official Accessibility Conformance Reports (ACRs), essential for selling to government agencies, educational institutions, and any client prioritizing digital inclusion.
Data Privacy & Regulatory Alignment:
  • GDPR Compliance Guidance: For teams handling data from European users, we provide clear guidance on General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requirements, including data mapping, privacy by design, data subject rights, and international data transfers.
  • CCPA/CPRA & State Privacy Laws: Advise on compliance with U.S. state-level privacy regulations like the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA), ensuring your data practices meet evolving standards.
  • Industry-Specific Requirements: Assist with other compliance needs relevant to your specific industry (e.g., HIPAA for healthcare, PCI DSS considerations for payment processing) by integrating these into your foundational program.
Why Choose Hicks Engineering for Your Startup or Small Team?

Partnering with us allows your team to focus on innovation while we handle the compliance complexities:

  • Dedicated Facilitator: We provide a consistent point of contact who acts as your compliance project manager, driving engagements forward and ensuring timely completion.
  • Build from Scratch Expertise: Whether you have minimal existing controls or need a complete program overhaul, we excel at designing and implementing compliance frameworks from the ground up.
  • Resource Efficiency: Our streamlined processes and expert guidance minimize the burden on your lean team, saving valuable time and internal resources.
  • Accelerated Trust Building: Quickly achieve critical certifications (like SOC 2) and complete vendor assessments (like HECVAT, VPAT), enabling faster sales cycles and stronger client relationships.
  • Practical & Actionable Guidance: We provide clear, implementable recommendations that fit your startup's agile environment, avoiding overly complex or theoretical solutions.
Get Started

Ready to build a strong compliance foundation and gain a competitive edge? Contact Us today to discuss how Hicks Engineering can help your startup or small team navigate the world of security and privacy compliance with confidence.