Membership Terms & Conditions

Effective Date: January 15, 2026
Last Updated: January 15, 2026

Introduction

Welcome to Apex Business Alliance™ (“Apex,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). These Membership Terms & Conditions (“Terms”) govern your membership in Apex Business Alliance and apply to all membership tiers and pathways. By joining Apex Business Alliance, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

These Terms should be read in conjunction with our Privacy Policy and any tier-specific agreements.

1. Membership Tiers & Pricing

1.1 Available Membership Tiers

Apex Business Alliance offers five membership tiers, each with distinct benefits and investment levels:

Open Network

Investment: FREE
Commitment: None
Access: Baseline network access, community events, member directory, monthly newsletters, Apex resources

Premium

Investment: $195.95 per year
Billing: Annual
Access: All Open Network benefits plus exclusive resources, event attendee lists, ability to attend open exchanges

Platoon

Investment: $400 per year + Premium Membership ($195.95)
Total Annual Cost: $595.95
Billing: Annual (both components)
Access: Weekly accountability meetings with 10-15 professionals, structured meeting formats, leadership opportunities, goal tracking

Company

Investment: $1,500 per year + Premium Membership ($195.95)
Total Annual Cost: $1,695.95
Billing: Annual (both components)
Access: Bi-monthly strategic sessions, referral exchange system, peer advisory, exclusive networking events, advanced business strategies

Command

Investment: $10,000 per year + Premium Membership ($195.95)
Total Annual Cost: $10,195.95
Billing: Annual (both components)
Access: Monthly elite sessions with 5-15 top-tier leaders, executive retreats, personal advisory board, strategic influence on Apex direction
Note: Command tier is invitation-only and requires application approval

1.2 Pathway Alignment

Members join through one of four pathways, which may influence tier recommendations but do not affect pricing:

The Formation (Veterans): Recommended path: Open Network → Platoon
The Legacy (Alumni): Recommended path: Company or Command based on experience
The Member Xchange (Business Owners): Recommended path: Open → Premium → Platoon → Company
The Summit (Executives): Command tier (invitation only)

1.3 Special Considerations

Platoon Leaders: Members who serve as Platoon Leaders receive Premium Membership at no cost as recognition for their leadership contribution.

Veterans & Active Military: While Apex honors military service, standard pricing applies to all tiers. Special programs or scholarships may be announced separately.

2. Membership Application & Approval

2.1 Application Process

Open Network & Premium:

Self-enrollment available through our website
Immediate access upon registration (Open) or payment confirmation (Premium)

Platoon:

Application required
Review by Platoon Leadership or Apex team
Approval based on commitment to weekly participation and alignment with Apex values
Notification within 7 business days

Company:

Formal application required
Review process includes professional background verification
Assessment of referral partnership potential
Interview may be required
Notification within 14 business days

Command:

Invitation-only tier
Comprehensive application and vetting process
Multiple interviews required
Business verification and reference checks
C-suite or equivalent executive position required
Approval by existing Command members
Notification within 30 business days

2.2 Right to Refuse Membership

Apex Business Alliance reserves the right to refuse membership to any applicant for any reason, including but not limited to:

Misrepresentation of credentials or background
Failure to align with Apex values (Integrity, Honor, Service)
Previous membership termination or violations
Competitive conflict with existing members
Incomplete or unsatisfactory application materials

2.3 Verification Requirements

Veteran Verification (The Formation, The Legacy):

DD-214 or equivalent discharge documentation may be required
Service branch and dates of service verification
Information used solely for eligibility confirmation
Protected under strict confidentiality protocols

Professional Verification:

Business ownership or executive role confirmation
Professional references may be requested for Company and Command tiers
LinkedIn profile or professional background review

3. Payment Terms

3.1 Payment Methods

We accept the following payment methods:

Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover)
Debit cards
ACH bank transfers (for annual payments)
Other methods as made available

3.2 Billing Cycles

Annual Billing:

All paid memberships (Premium, Platoon, Company, Command) are billed annually
Payment due at time of enrollment
Renewal charges occur automatically on anniversary date unless cancelled

Payment Due Dates:

Initial payment: Due immediately upon enrollment or upgrade
Renewal payment: Processed automatically 7 days before membership anniversary
Failed payment: 5-day grace period before access suspension

3.3 Combined Tier Billing

For Platoon, Company, and Command tiers requiring Premium Membership:

Both components may be billed together or separately based on enrollment timing
If upgrading to Platoon, Company, or Command mid-Premium-year, you will be charged the tier fee immediately
Premium component will renew on its original anniversary date
Tier component will renew on its enrollment anniversary date
Members may request synchronized billing dates by contacting support

3.4 Price Changes

Apex reserves the right to modify membership pricing with 60 days’ advance notice
Current members will maintain their existing rate through their current membership year
New rates apply upon renewal unless grandfathered pricing is offered
Promotional pricing may be offered for limited periods and is subject to specific terms

3.5 Taxes

Membership fees do not include applicable sales tax, VAT, GST, or other taxes
Members are responsible for any taxes required by their jurisdiction
Tax rates are calculated based on billing address

4. Membership Duration & Renewals

4.1 Membership Period

Open Network:

No fixed term
Membership continues indefinitely unless terminated by member or Apex

Premium, Platoon, Company, Command:

12-month membership periods
Begins on enrollment date
Automatically renews unless cancelled

4.2 Automatic Renewal

Renewal Process:

All paid memberships automatically renew for successive 12-month periods
Renewal charge processed 7 days before anniversary date
Renewal confirmation sent via email 30 days before renewal date
Members receive renewal reminder 14 days before renewal date

Renewal Rates:

Current members typically renew at existing rates
If pricing has changed, current members receive 60 days’ notice
Renewal honors any grandfathered pricing arrangements
Special renewal rates may be offered as incentives

4.3 Preventing Automatic Renewal

To prevent automatic renewal:

Cancel membership at least 7 days before renewal date
Cancellation prevents renewal but allows access through end of current period
Follow cancellation procedures outlined in Section 5

4.4 Failed Renewal Payments

Payment Failure Process:

If renewal payment fails, member receives immediate email notification
Member has 5-day grace period to update payment information
Second payment attempt made on day 3 of grace period
After grace period without successful payment:
- Membership access suspended
- Member retains directory listing but loses active benefits
- 30-day reinstatement window with late fee ($25 for Premium/Platoon, $50 for Company, $100 for Command)
After 30 days, membership considered terminated

Reinstatement:

Members may reinstate within 30-day window by paying outstanding balance plus late fee
After 30 days, must reapply as new member at current rates
Command tier members must reapply through standard invitation process

5. Cancellation Policy

5.1 Member-Initiated Cancellation

Members may cancel their membership at any time subject to the following terms:

Open Network:

No cancellation required; simply discontinue use
May resume at any time without reapplication

Premium, Platoon, Company:

Cancel through member account dashboard or by contacting support
Written cancellation notice required (email acceptable)
Cancellation must be submitted at least 7 days before renewal date to prevent next charge
Access continues through end of current paid period
No refunds for unused portion of membership period (see Section 6)

Command:

Written cancellation notice to Command tier coordinator
Exit interview recommended but not required
30-day notice appreciated but not mandatory
Access continues through end of current paid period

5.2 How to Cancel

Online Cancellation:

Log into your member account at apexbusinessalliance.world
Navigate to “Membership Settings”
Select “Cancel Membership”
Confirm cancellation and provide optional feedback

Email Cancellation:

Send cancellation request to: membership@apexbusinessalliance.world
Include: Full name, email address, membership tier, and reason for cancellation (optional)
Confirmation sent within 2 business days

Phone Cancellation:

Contact member support (contact information provided to active members)
Representative will process cancellation and send email confirmation

5.3 Cancellation Confirmation

All cancellations receive written confirmation via email
Confirmation includes final access date and any applicable refund information
Cancelled members may download membership records before access ends
Platoon, Company, and Command members receive exit resources

5.4 Effect of Cancellation

Upon cancellation:

Access to tier-specific benefits continues through end of paid period
Automatic renewal is disabled
Member directory listing may be retained or removed per member preference
Member may retain access to certain community resources at Apex discretion
No refund for unused time unless eligible under Section 6

5.5 Downgrading vs. Cancelling

Members may downgrade to a lower tier rather than cancel completely:

Request downgrade at least 7 days before renewal
Downgrade takes effect at start of next membership period
No partial refunds when downgrading
Immediate downgrade available with prorated refund calculation (discretionary)

5.6 Apex-Initiated Termination

Apex reserves the right to terminate membership for:

Cause (Immediate Termination):

Violation of Apex values or Code of Conduct
Fraudulent activity or misrepresentation
Harassment of members or staff
Illegal activities conducted through the network
Repeated non-payment
Conduct detrimental to the Apex community

Without Cause (30-Day Notice):

Business restructuring
Discontinuation of specific tier or pathway
Member provided 30 days’ notice and prorated refund if applicable

Termination for Cause:

No refund provided
Immediate loss of all membership privileges
Member may appeal decision within 14 days

6. Refund Policy

6.1 General Refund Principles

Apex Business Alliance operates on an annual membership model with the following refund approach:

No Refunds After 30 Days:

Memberships are non-refundable after 30 days from initial purchase or upgrade
This allows members adequate time to evaluate tier fit
Applies to all tiers (Premium, Platoon, Company, Command)

6.2 30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee

New Members (First-Time Enrollment):

Full refund available within 30 days of initial membership purchase
Applies to Premium, Platoon, Company, and Command new enrollments
Member must request refund in writing
Refund processed within 10 business days
After refund, member may reapply after 6-month waiting period

What’s Covered:

First-time purchase of any paid tier
Genuine dissatisfaction with tier benefits
Technical issues preventing full access (if unresolved)

What’s NOT Covered:

Renewals (see Section 6.3)
Upgrades from one tier to another (see Section 6.4)
Memberships older than 30 days
Partial refunds after 30-day window

6.3 Renewal Refunds

Standard Policy:

Automatic renewals are non-refundable
Members are responsible for cancelling before renewal date
Renewal reminders sent 30 days and 14 days before renewal

Exception – Billing Error:

If renewal occurs due to clear billing system error
Full refund provided if reported within 7 days
Member must not have accessed renewed membership benefits

Hardship Consideration:

In cases of extraordinary hardship (medical emergency, death, military deployment)
Prorated refunds may be granted at Apex discretion
Documentation required
Submit request to: membership@apexbusinessalliance.world

6.4 Upgrade & Downgrade Refunds

Upgrades (Moving to Higher Tier):

No refund on previous tier when upgrading mid-period
New tier charges full annual fee
Access to previous tier benefits ends immediately
No prorated credits applied

Downgrades (Moving to Lower Tier):

Downgrade takes effect at next renewal date
No refunds for unused time on current tier
Immediate downgrade with prorated refund available at Apex discretion

6.5 Apex-Initiated Termination Refunds

Termination for Cause:

No refund provided when membership terminated for violations

Termination Without Cause:

Prorated refund for unused months
Calculated from termination date through end of membership period
Processed within 30 days

Tier Discontinuation:

If Apex discontinues a specific tier, members receive:
- Option to transfer to comparable tier at no additional cost
- Prorated refund for unused time
- 60 days’ notice before tier discontinuation

6.6 Partial Refunds & Prorating

Apex generally does not offer partial refunds except in the following circumstances:

Eligible Situations:

Apex-initiated termination without cause
Documented extraordinary hardship (discretionary)
Tier discontinuation by Apex
Billing errors or unauthorized charges

Proration Calculation:

Based on full unused months only
No partial month refunds
Calculated from effective termination date
Example: 8 months remaining on $1,200 membership = $800 refund (8/12 × $1,200)

Ineligible for Proration:

Member-initiated cancellation (except within 30-day guarantee)
Downgrade requests
Dissatisfaction with services after 30-day period
Reduced usage or participation

6.7 Refund Request Process

How to Request a Refund:

Within 30-Day Guarantee Period:
- Email: refunds@apexbusinessalliance.world
- Subject: “Refund Request – [Your Name] – [Tier]”
- Include: Reason for refund, purchase date, membership number
- Response within 3 business days
Hardship or Special Circumstances:
- Email: membership@apexbusinessalliance.world
- Subject: “Refund Request – Special Circumstances”
- Include: Detailed explanation, supporting documentation
- Reviewed on case-by-case basis
- Response within 7 business days
Billing Error Claims:
- Email: billing@apexbusinessalliance.world
- Include: Transaction details, explanation of error
- Response within 2 business days

Refund Processing Time:

Approved refunds processed within 10 business days
Refunds issued to original payment method
Credit card refunds: 5-7 business days to appear
ACH refunds: 7-10 business days to appear
Member receives confirmation email when refund is processed

6.8 Non-Monetary Benefits

The following are not eligible for refund or credit:

Attendance at specific events
Introductions or referrals made
Access to member directory during membership period
Downloaded resources or materials
Completed coaching or advisory sessions
Platoon, Company, or Command meeting attendance

7. Member Responsibilities & Conduct

7.1 Code of Conduct

All Apex members agree to uphold our core values:

Integrity:

Honest representation of business capabilities and credentials
Transparent communication in all dealings
Honoring commitments to fellow members

Honor:

Treating all members with respect and dignity
Maintaining confidentiality of shared information
Supporting fellow members’ success

Service:

Contributing to community before seeking personal gain
Participating actively in tier-appropriate activities
Giving referrals and introductions generously

7.2 Participation Requirements

Platoon Tier:

Attend at least 75% of weekly meetings (3 of 4 per month)
Active participation in goal tracking
Provide and seek peer accountability
Two consecutive missed meetings without notice may result in tier review

Company Tier:

Attend at least 80% of bi-monthly sessions
Actively participate in referral exchange system
Provide qualified referrals to fellow members
Engage in strategic advisory discussions

Command Tier:

Attend minimum 80% of monthly sessions
Contribute to high-level strategic discussions
Mentor lower-tier members (encouraged)
Participate in executive retreats (minimum 1 per year)

Consequences of Non-Participation:

Warning issued after first pattern of absence
Tier review after second warning
Possible reassignment to lower tier or membership termination
No refunds for tier downgrade due to non-participation

7.3 Prohibited Activities

Members may not:

Recruit members away from Apex for competing organizations
Spam or excessively solicit members
Share member contact information without consent
Engage in illegal activities through the network
Harass, discriminate against, or bully other members
Misrepresent credentials, business capabilities, or referrals
Share proprietary Apex materials or frameworks outside the network

7.4 Professional Standards

Maintain appropriate professional boundaries
Respect confidentiality of fellow members’ business information
Provide quality referrals and vet recommendations
Communicate promptly regarding referrals and introductions
Resolve disputes professionally and directly when possible

7.5 Consequences of Violations

First Violation (Minor):

Written warning
Educational conversation with Apex leadership

Second Violation or First Major Violation:

Temporary suspension (14-30 days)
Required meeting with Apex leadership
Probationary status upon return

Third Violation or Severe Violation:

Immediate membership termination
No refund provided
Permanent ban from future Apex membership

8. Membership Transfers & Pauses

8.1 Membership Transfers

Non-Transferable:

Apex memberships are personal and non-transferable
Cannot be sold, assigned, or transferred to another individual or business
Exception: Business ownership transfer (see 8.2)

8.2 Business Ownership Transfer

If member’s business is sold or transferred:

Membership remains with individual, not business entity
New business owner must apply for separate membership
Original member may continue membership with new business information

8.3 Membership Pauses (Leave of Absence)

Members experiencing temporary hardship may request membership pause:

Eligible Reasons:

Medical emergency or extended illness
Military deployment (active duty orders required)
Family emergency requiring extended absence
Catastrophic business event

Pause Terms:

Maximum pause period: 6 months
Available once per membership period
Must be requested in writing with documentation
No extension of membership period (pause does not add time)
No refund during pause
Benefits suspended during pause
Member directory listing maintained with “on leave” status

Reinstatement:

Automatic reinstatement at end of pause period
Member must confirm intent to return 14 days before reinstatement
If member does not return, membership continues billing unless cancelled

Platoon, Company, Command Specific:

Group members notified of pause
Spot may be filled temporarily
Return to same group not guaranteed but prioritized

9. Intellectual Property & Proprietary Information

9.1 Apex Intellectual Property

The following are proprietary to Apex Business Alliance:

Apex Business Alliance™ name, logo, and branding
Meeting formats and structured frameworks
Training materials and resources
Member directory and database structure
Proprietary matching and referral algorithms

Member Use:

Members may identify as Apex members in marketing materials
Logo usage requires prior written approval
May not imply endorsement by Apex without permission
May not replicate Apex frameworks for commercial use outside membership

9.2 Member-Shared Information

Information shared in meetings remains confidential unless member explicitly permits sharing
Strategic business information is protected
Referral details shared within appropriate tier only
Members retain ownership of their business information and materials

9.3 Testimonials & Success Stories

Apex may request testimonials or success stories from members
Member approval required before publishing
Members may withdraw consent with reasonable notice
Apex retains right to use approved testimonials in perpetuity unless withdrawn

10. Disclaimers & Limitations of Liability

10.1 No Guaranteed Results

Apex Business Alliance provides networking and business development opportunities but does not guarantee:

Specific revenue increases or business growth
Particular number of referrals or introductions
Business success or financial outcomes
Compatibility with all members in your tier

10.2 Member Relationships

All business relationships are between individual members
Apex is not party to agreements between members
Apex does not guarantee quality of member referrals
Members are responsible for due diligence on business partnerships
Apex is not liable for disputes between members

10.3 Third-Party Services

Apex may facilitate connections with third-party service providers
Apex does not endorse or guarantee third-party services
Members use third-party services at their own risk

10.4 Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law:

Apex’s total liability is limited to fees paid by member in past 12 months
Apex is not liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages
Apex is not responsible for lost profits, business interruption, or opportunity costs

10.5 Indemnification

Members agree to indemnify and hold harmless Apex Business Alliance, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims arising from:

Member’s violation of these Terms
Member’s use of Apex services
Member’s interactions with other members
Member’s business activities conducted through Apex network

11. Privacy & Data Protection

11.1 Privacy Policy

Member privacy is governed by our separate Privacy Policy, which covers:

Information collection and use
Data sharing within the Apex network
Security measures
Member rights and controls
Veteran information protection

11.2 Directory Information

By joining Apex, members consent to:

Inclusion in member directory (with tier-appropriate visibility)
Basic contact information sharing with appropriate tier members
Business information visibility to facilitate networking

Members may control directory visibility through account settings.

11.3 Communication Consent

Members consent to receive:

Membership updates and administrative communications
Tier-specific announcements and opportunities
Educational content and resources
Event invitations
Renewal reminders

Members may opt out of marketing communications while remaining members.

12. Dispute Resolution

12.1 Informal Resolution

Before pursuing formal dispute resolution:

Contact Apex support at: disputes@apexbusinessalliance.world
Describe issue in detail with supporting documentation
Apex will respond within 7 business days
Good faith effort to resolve informally within 30 days

12.2 Mediation

If informal resolution fails:

Disputes may be submitted to binding mediation
Mediator selected by mutual agreement or through American Arbitration Association
Mediation costs split equally between parties
Mediation conducted virtually or at mutually agreed location

12.3 Arbitration

For disputes not resolved through mediation:

Binding arbitration under American Arbitration Association rules
Single arbitrator selected per AAA procedures
Arbitration conducted in English
Location: Member’s state of residence or virtually
Each party bears own legal costs unless arbitrator awards fees

12.4 Class Action Waiver

Members agree to resolve disputes individually and waive the right to participate in class actions, collective actions, or representative proceedings.

12.5 Exception for Injunctive Relief

Either party may seek injunctive relief in court for:

Intellectual property violations
Confidentiality breaches
Imminent harm to business or reputation

13. General Provisions

13.1 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of [Your State/Province], without regard to conflict of law principles.

13.2 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with the Privacy Policy and any tier-specific agreements, constitute the entire agreement between member and Apex Business Alliance.

13.3 Modifications to Terms

Apex may modify these Terms at any time
Material changes require 30 days’ advance notice to members
Continued membership after changes constitutes acceptance
Members may cancel within 30 days of notice without penalty if changes are unacceptable

13.4 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found unenforceable, remaining provisions remain in full effect.

13.5 No Waiver

Apex’s failure to enforce any provision does not constitute waiver of that provision or any other right.

13.6 Assignment

Apex may assign these Terms in connection with business sale or merger
Members may not assign membership or these Terms

13.7 Force Majeure

Apex is not liable for failure to perform due to circumstances beyond reasonable control, including natural disasters, war, pandemic, or government actions.

13.8 Survival

Provisions regarding intellectual property, confidentiality, indemnification, limitation of liability, and dispute resolution survive membership termination.

14. Contact Information

For questions regarding these Membership Terms:

Apex Business Alliance™

Membership Support: membership@apexbusinessalliance.world
Billing Questions: billing@apexbusinessalliance.world
Refund Requests: refunds@apexbusinessalliance.world
Disputes: disputes@apexbusinessalliance.world
General Contact: Via our Contact Page

Website: https://apexbusinessalliance.world

15. Acknowledgment & Acceptance

By joining Apex Business Alliance, enrolling in any membership tier, or using our services, you acknowledge that:

You have read and understood these Membership Terms & Conditions
You agree to be bound by these Terms
You meet the eligibility requirements for your chosen tier
You will uphold Apex values of Integrity, Honor, and Service
You understand the refund policy and renewal terms
You consent to the use of your information as described in our Privacy Policy

For Command Tier applicants: Your application signature constitutes acknowledgment and acceptance of these Terms plus any additional Command Tier agreements.

For Veteran/Alumni members: You certify the accuracy of any military service information provided and consent to verification procedures.

Quick Reference Summary

Key Policies at a Glance

Topic	Policy
Billing Cycle	Annual for all paid tiers
Auto-Renewal	Yes – cancel 7+ days before renewal date
Satisfaction Guarantee	30 days full refund for new members
Renewal Refunds	Generally non-refundable (hardship exceptions considered)
Cancellation Notice	7 days before renewal to prevent next charge
Access After Cancel	Through end of current paid period
Downgrades	Effective at next renewal (no refund)
Membership Pause	Up to 6 months for qualifying hardship
Transfers	Non-transferable
Dispute Resolution	Informal → Mediation → Arbitration

Apex Business Alliance™
Where Business Is Built on Integrity, Honor and Service

These Membership Terms & Conditions are effective as of January 15, 2026 and apply to all membership tiers: Open Network (Free), Premium ($195.95/year), Platoon ($400/year + Premium), Company ($1,500/year + Premium), and Command ($10,000/year + Premium), across all four pathways: The Formation (Veterans), The Legacy (Alumni), The Member Xchange (Business Owners), and The Summit (Executives).