Terms and Conditions

GENERAL TERMS
1. Definitions
For the purposes of these Terms and Conditions, the following definitions apply:
• “NYFBA” refers to the New York Food Business Association, a nonprofit organization operating in New York State.
• “Member” refers to any individual or business entity accepted into NYFBA Membership.
• “Membership” refers to the status granted to a Member by NYFBA, including all associated rights and obligations.
• “Programs” refers to any initiatives or services offered by NYFBA to its Members, including but not limited to the A+ Voluntary Implementation Program (A+ VIP).
• “Website” refers to the official NYFBA website and all affiliated online services.

2. Eligibility
Membership is open to individuals and business entities engaged or intending to engage in the food business sector within New York State. NYFBA reserves the right to evaluate eligibility on a case-by-case basis.

3. Membership Levels
NYFBA offers multiple tiers of Membership, including but not limited to:
• Starter — free access to basic content and updates.
• Standard — paid Membership with enhanced access to resources and programs.
• Sponsor — paid Membership level provided via third-party sponsorship, with access equivalent to Standard.
Details of each level’s benefits and requirements are published on the NYFBA Website and may be updated from time to time.
4. Enrollment and Term
Membership begins upon successful completion of the application process and, where applicable, receipt of payment. Membership remains valid as long as payment obligations are met (where applicable) and all Terms and Conditions are complied with.
Unless otherwise stated, enrollment in any paid Membership level requires a two-year commitment, except for Sponsor-Funded Membership, where membership continues for as long as the sponsor maintains payment on your behalf.
5. Membership Fees and Payment Terms
Applicable fees for paid Membership levels must be paid in full at the time of enrollment or renewal. NYFBA does not guarantee refunds unless otherwise stated in our refund policy below. NYFBA uses secure third-party payment processors.
Refund Policy
Membership fees are non-refundable, except in cases of duplicate charges or documented technical errors during payment. Refund requests must be submitted in writing or by email within 14 days of the transaction. If approved, refunds will be processed using the original payment method. NYFBA does not issue partial refunds for early termination or non-use of Membership.
6. Member Rights and Access
Members receive access to NYFBA resources, communications, and programs in accordance with their Membership level. Access is subject to these Terms and any additional terms applicable to specific programs or services.
7. Member Responsibilities
Members are expected to:
• Provide accurate and up-to-date information;
• Abide by NYFBA’s policies and conduct standards;
• Use resources and communications in good faith and for intended purposes;
• Refrain from copying, sharing, or distributing any materials made available exclusively through Membership access, including but not limited to written materials, program content, assessments, and internal articles, whether by direct copying, screenshots, or any other method.
All such materials are copyrighted and protected under applicable intellectual property laws. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of these materials is strictly prohibited and will be pursued to the fullest extent permitted by law.
8. Non-Transferability
Membership is granted to a specific individual or entity and may not be transferred, sublicensed, or reassigned without prior written approval from NYFBA.
9. Termination and Suspension
NYFBA may suspend or terminate Membership if a Member:
• Provides false or misleading information;
• Violates these Terms or any NYFBA policies;
• Engages in conduct deemed harmful to the Association or its Members.
Members may also cancel their Membership at any time via written notice. That being said, all paid offerings on this website are structured as fixed-term agreements, generally involving a 24-month commitment, unless stated otherwise. In such cases, cancellation is only permitted after the full commitment period has been completed. 
Members who choose not to actively use their benefits during this period remain contractually obligated to continue payments through the end of the term. Once the commitment period has ended, written notice is required in order to formally cancel the Membership. Early notice submitted before the commitment ends will not be considered valid.
10. Amendments
NYFBA reserves the right to update or modify these Terms and Conditions at any time. Members will be notified of material changes via email or Website notice. Continued Membership following such changes constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.
11. Governing Law
These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of the State of New York. Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located within New York State.

ADDITIONAL TERMS FOR PROGRAM PARTICIPATION
12. Additional Terms for Program Participation and Publications
These additional terms apply to all optional programs offered by NYFBA, including the A+ Voluntary Implementation Program, as well as to all publications, announcements, supplementary resources, and other materials made available by the New York Food Business Association.