Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using the Global Women Equity Solutions ("GWES") website, HerMap platform, or any related services (collectively, the "Services"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, do not use our Services.

2. Description of Services

GWES provides:

• The Female Inclusive Rating System (FIRS) certification program for businesses and organizations
• The HerMap platform, a directory of certified women-friendly businesses
• Related assessment, verification, and consulting services

3. User Accounts

3.1 Account Registration

Some Services require account registration. You agree to:

• Provide accurate and complete information
• Maintain the security of your account credentials
• Notify us immediately of any unauthorized access
• Accept responsibility for all activities under your account

3.2 Account Termination

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms or engage in fraudulent activity.

4. FIRS Certification Services

4.1 Certification Process

FIRS certification involves:

• Self-assessment questionnaires
• Document submission and review
• On-site verification (for Verified and Premium tiers)
• Employee surveys and management interviews (Premium tier only)

4.2 Accuracy of Information

4.3 Certification Levels and Limitations

Self-assessment (Quick Start) certifications are marked as "Self-Assessed" and have not been independently verified. Higher certification levels (Verified, Premium) require on-site verification.

FIRS certification reflects the status of a business at the time of assessment. Certification does not guarantee ongoing compliance.

4.4 Certification Validity

FIRS certifications are valid for one (1) year from the date of issuance. Renewal requires a new assessment and payment of applicable fees.

5. Fees and Payment

5.1 Certification Fees

Current certification fees are published on our website. Fees are subject to change with 30 days notice.

5.2 Payment Terms

Payment is due at the time of application. We accept payment through secure third-party processors (Stripe, PayPal).

5.3 Refund Policy

Tier	Refund Policy
Quick Start ($199)	No refunds after assessment completion
Verified ($499)	Refund minus $100 admin fee if requested before on-site visit
Premium ($1,499+)	Refund minus $300 admin fee if requested before assessment begins

No refunds are available for businesses that fail to achieve certification.

6. Intellectual Property

6.1 GWES Property

All content, trademarks, logos, and materials on our website and Services (including "FIRS," "HerMap," certification badges, and assessment criteria) are the property of GWES and protected by intellectual property laws.

6.2 Badge Usage

Certified businesses receive a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to display the FIRS certification badge:

• Only during the valid certification period
• Only in the manner specified in our Badge Usage Guidelines
• Not in any way that implies GWES endorsement beyond certification status

This license terminates immediately upon certification expiration or revocation.

7. Disclaimers

7.1 No Warranty

7.2 Certification Disclaimer

FIRS certification indicates that a business met our assessment criteria at the time of evaluation. GWES does not:

• Guarantee the ongoing safety, quality, or performance of any certified business
• Accept liability for experiences at certified businesses
• Warrant that certification will result in any particular business outcomes

7.3 Third-Party Links

Our Services may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the content, privacy practices, or terms of any third-party sites.

8. Limitation of Liability

Our total liability for any claim arising from these Terms or our Services shall not exceed the amount you paid to GWES in the 12 months preceding the claim.

9. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless GWES and its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from:

• Your use of our Services
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your violation of any third-party rights
• Any false or misleading information you provide

10. Governing Law and Disputes

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Colorado, without regard to conflict of law principles.

Any disputes arising from these Terms or our Services shall be resolved through:

1. Good faith negotiation between the parties
2. Mediation in Denver, Colorado
3. Binding arbitration in Denver, Colorado if mediation fails

You waive any right to participate in class action lawsuits against GWES.

11. Changes to Terms

We may modify these Terms at any time. Material changes will be posted on our website with at least 30 days notice. Continued use of our Services after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

12. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

13. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any applicable service agreements, constitute the entire agreement between you and GWES regarding our Services.

14. Contact Information