Barron Strategic Consulting Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Effective Date: March 2024
By accessing or using the Barron Strategic Consulting website (https://barronconsulting.ca) (“Site”) or engaging our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service and Privacy Policy (“Agreement”). If you do not agree, please do not use our Site or services.
1. Acceptance of Terms
By using our Site or engaging our services, you confirm your acceptance of this Agreement. This Agreement applies to all users, including visitors to the Site and clients engaging our consulting services.
2. Services
Barron Strategic Consulting provides business plan writing, grant funding consulting, and related advisory services, including:
- Conducting discovery and needs assessments to identify eligible federal and provincial funding programs.
- Preparing comprehensive and tailored grant application packages, business plans aligned with loan or grant requirements, and supporting documents (e.g., financial projections, technical descriptions, team bios).
- Providing advisory guidance and written responses to clarify funding criteria, risks, and positioning strategies.
- Assisting with application form drafting, formatting, and document assembly.
Final submission of any application or plan remains solely your responsibility. Barron Strategic Consulting does not act as your legal representative, sign documents, make representations to funding bodies, or submit applications on your behalf unless explicitly instructed and overseen by you in writing.
3. Payments
All payments are processed securely via Stripe or an approved payment provider. Prices are listed in Canadian Dollars (CAD) and are subject to applicable taxes (HST/GST). Payment is required before service initiation unless otherwise agreed in writing.
4. Refund Policy
Refunds may be provided at our discretion if services have not commenced. Once work begins or deliverables (e.g., final documents, reports, or agreed deliverables sent to your designated email or shared via secure link) are provided, payments are non-refundable.
5. Client Responsibilities
You must provide accurate and complete information required for the provision of services. Barron Strategic Consulting is not liable for delays or errors resulting from incomplete or inaccurate information provided by you.
6. Intellectual Property
All content on the Site and all deliverables, unless otherwise agreed in writing, are the property of Barron Strategic Consulting. Clients receive a limited, non-transferable license to use deliverables for their intended business purposes.
7. Confidentiality
We agree to maintain the confidentiality of proprietary and sensitive information obtained during the engagement. You agree to keep confidential any proprietary information provided by Barron Strategic Consulting. We adhere to the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and applicable provincial privacy laws. Sensitive information is stored in secure, encrypted systems with access restricted to authorized personnel only.
8. Limitation of Liability
Barron Strategic Consulting is not liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from the use of our services or Site. Our total liability is limited to the amount paid by you for the specific service. We are not liable for any actions or decisions by third parties, including funding outcomes, as we cannot guarantee success of applications or plans.
9. No Power of Attorney or Submission Rights
This Agreement does not grant Barron Strategic Consulting power of attorney or authority to sign documents, make representations or warranties to funding bodies, or submit funding applications directly on your behalf, unless explicitly instructed and overseen by you in writing.
10. Term and Termination
This Agreement is effective upon your acceptance (e.g., using our Site or initiating services) and remains in effect until services are completed or terminated by either party with 10 business days’ written notice. Upon termination, we will return or delete your confidential data upon request, except as legally required to retain records.
11. Force Majeure
Neither party shall be liable for failure or delay in performing obligations due to unforeseen events beyond reasonable control, including natural disasters, pandemics, acts of government, or disruptions in communication networks.
12. What Information We Collect
We may collect:
- Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, business name.
- Business Information: Industry, business stage, funding goals, business plans.
- Payment Information: Billing name, credit card number (processed via secure third-party providers; we do not store card details).
- Website Usage Data: IP address, browser type, referring/exit pages, time on site, cookies, and similar technologies.
- Communications: Inquiries, emails, and service history.
- Testimonials: Only first name and last initial are published unless explicit permission for full name or other details is obtained.
13. How We Use Your Information
We use your information to:
- Provide consulting services, grant funding assessments, and strategic guidance.
- Respond to inquiries and support requests.
- Process payments for services.
- Deliver tailored recommendations using our AI assistant and tools.
- Improve our Site and client experience through analytics.
- Fulfill legal and regulatory obligations.
- Publish testimonials as described above.
14. Use of Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) to monitor Site performance, understand usage, and improve services. You may manage cookie settings in your browser.
15. Automated Decision-Making and AI
If significant decisions affecting you are made using automated tools or AI, you have the right to request an explanation and human review.
16. Consent
By using our Site or providing your information, you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your information as described in this Agreement. You may withdraw consent at any time, subject to legal or contractual restrictions and reasonable notice, by contacting info@barronconsulting.ca.
17. Data Sharing and Disclosure
We do not sell or rent personal information. We may share information with:
- Service providers (e.g., payment processors, web hosting, analytics) under confidentiality agreements.
- Government agencies or funding bodies, only with your explicit consent, as part of a funding application.
- Legal authorities, as required to comply with law, enforce agreements, or protect rights.
18. Data Storage and Residency
Your information is stored on secure servers located in Canada or in trusted jurisdictions with privacy protections meeting Canadian standards. If data is processed outside Canada, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place.
19. Data Security
We use SSL encryption, firewalls, access controls, and regular security audits. Access is restricted to authorized personnel.
20. Children’s Privacy
Our services are not directed at individuals under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.
21. Your Rights
Under PIPEDA, you have the right to:
- Access your personal information.
- Request corrections or updates.
- Withdraw consent for specific uses (subject to legal/contractual restrictions).
- Lodge complaints with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.
To exercise these rights, contact info@barronconsulting.ca.
22. Retention of Information
We retain personal data only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined or to meet legal obligations.
23. Third-Party Links
Our Site may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Please review their policies.
24. Changes to This Agreement
We may update this Agreement to reflect changes in practices or law. Updates will be posted on this page with the effective date. Continued use of our Site or services after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised Agreement.
25. Governing Law
This Agreement is governed by the laws of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada. Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of Ontario courts.
26. Contact
For questions about this Agreement or our data practices, contact: Barron Strategic Consulting
Email: info@barronconsulting.ca