CA‑MBA Membership Terms

Membership Scope (What You Are Purchasing)

CA‑MBA membership provides access to individualized technical assistance, education, coaching, checklists, templates, referrals, and accountability support designed to help small businesses strengthen readiness and capacity. Membership is a mission-supported program of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and is not a guarantee of outcomes. Unless explicitly stated in a separate written agreement, membership is not a done‑for‑you filing service.

Member-Driven Implementation (Blueprint Model)

CA‑MBA operates on a member-driven implementation model. Members are responsible for completing their own registrations, filings, and submissions using CA‑MBA’s guidance and official links. CA‑MBA may provide review and feedback, but the member remains responsible for:

• Creating and managing accounts with government/third‑party systems

• Entering information accurately and truthfully

• Uploading required documents and meeting deadlines

• Paying any government/third‑party fees

• Responding to requests for information in a timely manner

Delays caused by incomplete documentation, non-responsiveness, or third‑party processing do not constitute failure of service.

Zero Refund Policy (All Sales Final)

All membership dues and fees are final and non‑refundable. No exceptions. This includes, without limitation, situations where a member:

• Changes their mind or experiences buyer’s remorse

• Is dissatisfied with pace, process, recommendations, or outcomes

• Does not participate, attend, respond, or complete assigned steps

• Does not obtain approvals, certifications, funding, contracts, or other third‑party outcomes

• Disagrees with CA‑MBA guidance or recommended strategy

Activation of Membership / Services Begin

Membership is considered activated immediately upon payment confirmation and/or the earliest of any of the following: scheduling a session, receiving onboarding instructions, receiving checklists/templates, receiving referrals/introductions, receiving email/text support, or receiving any technical assistance. Once activated, all amounts remain non‑refundable.

No Guarantee of Timeline or Approval

CA‑MBA cannot control government agencies, third‑party platforms, backlogs, audits, or approval decisions. Any timeline estimates are non-binding and provided for planning only. Denials, delays, or additional agency requests do not constitute grounds for a refund.

Third‑Party / Government Fees

Any government filing fees, third‑party processing fees, shipping/postage, or costs incurred on a member’s behalf are non‑refundable once incurred.

Right to Refuse Service / Termination for Misuse (No Refund)

CA‑MBA reserves the right to refuse service or terminate membership for disruptive behavior, harassment, threats, bad‑faith conduct, misuse of staff time, or policy violations. In such cases, no refund will be issued.

Disputes & Chargebacks

Members agree to contact CA‑MBA in writing and allow 10 business days to attempt resolution before initiating a payment dispute. CA‑MBA will document services delivered (emails, scheduling records, checklists provided, and meeting notes) to respond to any dispute.

Acknowledgment

By paying the invoice, the member acknowledges they have read and agree to these Membership Terms, including the zero refund policy and member responsibilities.