Terms and Conditions of Use

1. Introduction and acceptance of these Terms

Welcome to FindB Europa. FindB Europa is a digital initiative dedicated to building relationships, opportunities and strategic connections between businesses, professionals, organisations, institutions, sponsors and Portuguese-speaking communities across Europe.

This website is intended exclusively to present FindB Europa institutionally and to identify, attract, assess and develop opportunities for strategic partnerships, commercial agreements, barter arrangements, sponsorships and other forms of collaboration that may generate mutual benefits and contribute positively to the community.

We seek sustainable relationships with companies, entrepreneurs, independent professionals, non-profit organisations, associations, foundations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), suppliers of products and services and other entities that share a commitment to responsible collaboration and value creation.

By browsing this website, submitting forms, requesting a meeting or presenting a proposal, you acknowledge that you have had the opportunity to read these Terms and Conditions as they apply to your use of the portfolio.

Submitting a form or scheduling a meeting does not, by itself, constitute acceptance of a proposal, approval of a partnership or execution of a contract. Any business or institutional relationship follows the assessment, negotiation and formalisation procedures set out here and applicable law.

Please note that these Terms govern the institutional partnership portfolio. Use of the FindB Europa social network, member registration and platform-specific features is subject to the separate terms made available on the official website (comunidadesfindbeuropa.com).

2. Exclusive purpose of this portfolio

This portfolio exists to establish professional contacts and develop collaboration opportunities with entities interested in working with FindB Europa. Its main purposes are to:

• Attract businesses and strategic partners.
• Identify sponsors and investors interested in considering collaboration opportunities.
• Receive proposals for exchanging products and services.
• Develop commercial and institutional agreements.
• Establish partnerships with suppliers of physical products and digital services.
• Develop collaboration opportunities with independent professionals.
• Assess proposals from non-profit organisations, associations, foundations and NGOs.
• Develop initiatives that support Portuguese-speaking communities across Europe.
• Arrange meetings to present the platform and discuss commercial opportunities.
• Identify solutions that may benefit FindB Europa, its partners and the communities it serves.

2.1 What this portfolio is not

This portfolio is not an online shop, a direct-sales marketplace or a member-registration platform. The existence of a potential collaboration does not guarantee that an agreement will be concluded.

We assess each proposal individually, taking into account its feasibility, strategic fit, integrity, financial sustainability, potential impact and compliance with applicable law.

3. Our mission and commitment to the community

FindB Europa seeks to develop a digital ecosystem that makes it easier to access opportunities, services, information, professional connections and initiatives relevant to Portuguese-speaking communities living in different European countries. We aim to build partnerships that help to:

• Improve access to relevant products and services.
• Connect communities with businesses.
• Create professional and commercial opportunities.
• Support integration and social participation initiatives.
• Promote cooperation between organisations.
• Develop exclusive benefits for members and communities, where applicable.
• Encourage transparent and sustainable business relationships.
• Create economic and social value for the parties involved.

3.1 Representation

We prioritise partnerships that offer tangible benefits, clear terms and prospects for continuity, while respecting the characteristics, needs and local contexts of each community. This mission does not mean that FindB Europa is the legal representative of every Portuguese-speaking person in Europe or can assume obligations on behalf of communities, associations or third parties. Any formal representation requires the powers or authorisations the law requires.

4. Who may submit a partnership proposal

The following may submit proposals, provided they are compatible with our objectives and applicable law:

• Companies and commercial entities: legally established businesses of any size, sector or country of establishment.
• Entrepreneurs and independent professionals who lawfully carry out a professional or business activity.
• Non-profit organisations: associations, foundations, NGOs and other organisations proposing cooperation, community-support or social-interest projects.
• Sponsors: entities that want to provide financial support or contribute products, services, technical resources or other agreed contributions.
• Suppliers of products and services, including physical products, in-person services, digital services, software, technology, training, consultancy, advertising, transport and tourism.
• Institutional partners: institutions, professional associations and community organisations proposing cooperation compatible with our mission.

4.1 No automatic approval

Submitting a proposal does not entitle the applicant to approval, promotion, publicity or integration into the platform. We may ask for additional information before deciding.

5. Identity, integrity and suitability checks

We consider partner integrity essential to safe, transparent and sustainable business relationships. Before entering into a partnership, we may carry out an assessment that is proportionate to the nature, value, risk and complexity of the proposal.

5.1 Information that may be requested

Depending on the proposal, we may request:

• Full name or registered business name.
• Country of professional residence or establishment.
• Company or organisation registration details, where applicable.
• The name and role of the person responsible for negotiations.
• Evidence of authority to represent the entity, where necessary.
• Institutional website and professional contact details.
• A description of the activity carried out and of the proposed products or services.
• Relevant commercial or institutional references.
• Information about the ability to perform the proposed agreement.
• Additional documents needed to meet legal obligations or assess specific risks.

5.2 Proportionality

Requested documents and information must be proportionate to the purpose of the assessment. We do not indiscriminately require identity documents, personal financial information or other excessive data where there is no legitimate need and appropriate legal basis.

5.3 Assessment criteria

We consider:

1. Existence and legitimacy of the proposing person or entity.
2. Identity and authority of its representatives.
3. Commercial and institutional reputation.
4. Technical and operational capacity to perform the agreement.
5. Transparency of the proposed commercial terms.
6. Compatibility with our values and objectives.
7. Financial, legal, reputational and operational risks.
8. Compliance with applicable legal obligations.
9. Potential conflicts of interest.
10. Suitability of the products or services for the communities involved.

5.4 Refusal or suspension of proposals

Where legally justified, checks may use public registers and other legitimate information sources. We may refuse, suspend or discontinue the assessment of a proposal where legitimate grounds exist, including materially false information, reasonable suspicion of fraud, lack of capacity to meet the proposed obligations, or significant legal or reputational risks. Any decision complies with applicable law and with the rights of the people concerned.

An assessment is not an absolute certification of a partner's integrity and does not guarantee that problems will never arise.

6. Types of partnerships and agreements

We are open to different collaboration models, provided they are compatible with our objectives and properly documented.

6.1 Commercial partnerships

Agreements to promote products, services or commercial opportunities, on terms negotiated individually.

6.2 Financial sponsorships

Financial contributions to support projects, initiatives, campaigns, events or other activities agreed in advance. Sponsorships may include commercial or institutional benefits, provided the contract expressly sets them out.

6.3 Product or service sponsorships

The provision of physical products, licences, digital services, equipment, technical resources or other goods and services, under terms agreed by the parties.

6.4 Barter and exchanges of value

Arrangements under which the parties provide products, services, resources or reciprocal benefits without necessarily making a cash payment. The parties agree in advance on the value assigned to the goods or services, their obligations, delivery or performance deadlines and the consequences of non-performance.

The absence of a cash payment does not automatically remove applicable tax, accounting or contractual obligations.

6.5 Commissions and remuneration models

Depending on the project, the parties may negotiate fixed, variable or recurring commissions, revenue sharing, performance-based remuneration, service fees, hybrid models or other lawful arrangements.

Amounts, calculation methods, payment deadlines, eligibility criteria and each party's responsibilities must be stated in the relevant contract. No commission, remuneration or revenue share is agreed merely because it was discussed at a meeting.

6.6 Technology and digital partnerships

Proposals may involve technology integrations, software licensing, digital tools, solution development, consultancy and other technology initiatives. These relationships may require additional terms on intellectual property, confidentiality, data protection, information security, service availability and technical responsibilities.

6.7 Social and institutional partnerships

We may consider cooperation with associations, foundations, NGOs and other organisations to develop community initiatives, social projects and integration activities consistent with our mission. Non-profit status does not remove the need to assess an organisation's identity, legitimacy, capacity and legal compliance.

7. Required procedure for submitting proposals

To promote transparency, organisation and a shared understanding, proposals follow a structured process:

1. Submit the form: the interested party completes the contact form with truthful, sufficient and relevant information for the initial assessment.
2. Preliminary review: we review the nature of the proposal, its compatibility with the platform's objectives and any need for further information.
3. Schedule a meeting: if there is interest in proceeding, a meeting is proposed or confirmed for an introduction and discussion.
4. Presentation and assessment: the parties introduce their organisations, clarify objectives, assess opportunities and discuss preliminary terms.
5. Define the terms: if there is mutual interest, the parties discuss and document the relevant commercial, financial, operational and legal conditions.
6. Further checks: where necessary, documents, clarifications, technical assessments or compliance checks may be requested before final approval.
7. Prepare and sign the contract: after negotiations, a contract setting out the agreed terms is prepared and signed by duly authorised representatives, subject to any additional legal requirements.
8. Commence the partnership: the collaboration begins on the date or under the conditions set out in the contract, including any conditions precedent.

7.1 No obligation to contract

Scheduling a meeting, exchanging messages or submitting a proposal does not oblige FindB Europa to enter into a contract.

8. Business meetings and platform presentations

Meetings allow the parties to get to know one another, clarify expectations and assess whether collaboration is feasible. Topics may include:

• FindB Europa's institutional presentation.
• The platform's objectives and features.
• The profile of the communities the initiative aims to serve.
• The partner's products, services or proposed solutions.
• Publicity and promotional opportunities.
• Sponsorship or barter terms and remuneration models.
• Timelines and targets.
• Each party's responsibilities and, where proposed, exclusivity.
• Legal, technical and operational matters.
• Next steps towards formalising the agreement.

8.1 Accuracy of information

Information about community size, member numbers, reach, audience, performance or commercial results must be truthful and verifiable when used as a basis for a business decision. Estimates must not be presented as guaranteed results.

8.2 Booking

To request a meeting, the interested party uses the form or scheduler provided in the portfolio and supplies the information needed to arrange it. The request is subject to review and confirmation. Submitting it does not guarantee immediate availability, acceptance of the proposal or that a meeting will take place.

8.3 Cancellations and changes

If a party cannot attend, it should give reasonable advance notice. The parties may agree a new date, subject to availability and the nature of the meeting. Any applicable costs must be disclosed and accepted before they are charged.

9. Negotiation language and interpretation services

Clear communication is essential for international partnerships, particularly where the parties have different native languages. In your message, please tell us your native language, the language in which you prefer to hold the meeting, any other languages you are comfortable with, whether you need interpretation and any language needs for understanding documents and contractual terms.

Where necessary and agreed in advance, a qualified professional interpreter may be arranged. Where the nature of the agreement requires it, the parties may agree to use an interpreter with professional certification or accreditation appropriate to the jurisdiction and type of document. The interpreter's availability, language, format, fees and responsibility for payment are confirmed before the meeting.

Interpretation is intended to help communication about partnership rules, contractual obligations, financial terms, commissions, remuneration, deadlines, rights and responsibilities, cancellation and termination conditions, confidentiality, data protection and other relevant terms.

9.1 Contract translations and language versions

Where a contract is provided in more than one language, the parties should expressly specify which version prevails in the event of a discrepancy. A translation should preserve the legal and commercial meaning of the original as far as possible. Using an interpreter does not replace reading the contract or clarifying questions before signing.

9.2 Interpreter confidentiality

Where an interpreter has access to confidential information or personal data, appropriate measures are taken to protect it. Depending on the circumstances, a confidentiality undertaking may be required and data protection obligations are assessed. Interpretation is not guaranteed for every language or meeting, as arrangements depend on availability, suitable qualifications and terms agreed in advance.

10. Formalisation of partnerships and agreements

We follow a formal process for concluding commercial partnerships, sponsorships, barter arrangements and other forms of collaboration. No proposal is treated as finally approved, and no partnership is treated as formally concluded on behalf of FindB Europa, solely on the basis of conversations, meetings, messages, emails, presentations or expressions of interest.

To formalise a partnership, the parties:

1. Hold an alignment meeting to present and agree objectives, unless they validly agree another process consistent with applicable law.
2. Negotiate and expressly accept the essential terms of the collaboration.
3. Define each party's rights, obligations and responsibilities.
4. Set financial amounts, payment terms or barter criteria, where applicable.
5. Determine duration, performance deadlines and renewal or termination conditions.
6. Review relevant legal and operational conditions.
7. Document the agreement in writing and obtain signatures from duly authorised representatives.

10.1 The contract

The contract identifies the parties and clearly describes the subject matter and agreed conditions. Depending on the collaboration, it may include clauses on confidentiality, intellectual property, data protection, use of trademarks, exclusivity, commissions, sponsorship, cancellation, liability, dispute resolution and other relevant matters.

Implementation begins subject to the contract's terms and applicable legal requirements. We may accept or decline proposals and discontinue negotiations that have not resulted in a binding commitment, subject to any obligations already legally incurred. Nothing here excludes the possibility that a binding agreement may arise in another form where applicable law requires it or where it follows from validly assumed obligations.

11. Financial terms, payments and barter

All financial terms must be discussed and documented before the partnership begins. Depending on the agreement, the parties define:

• Total or estimated value of the collaboration, and the currency.
• Fixed or variable commissions and remuneration calculation criteria.
• Payment frequency and due dates.
• Applicable taxes and charges, and invoicing responsibilities.
• Refund conditions, where legally applicable and contractually agreed.
• Consequences of non-performance.
• Cancellation or termination rules.

11.1 Barter and results

For barter arrangements, the parties identify the products or services each will provide, their agreed value, delivery conditions and performance deadlines.

Neither party should assume that FindB Europa guarantees commercial results, sales, conversions, financial returns or a specific number of customers unless an express, valid and documented contractual commitment says otherwise. Each party must comply with applicable tax, accounting and invoicing requirements.

12. Exclusivity and conflicts of interest

We may consider exclusive or non-exclusive proposals. Any exclusivity must be expressly negotiated and documented in writing, and where relevant the contract specifies the territory, products or services covered, duration, partner categories, agreed exceptions, performance targets or conditions, consequences of non-compliance and renewal or termination terms.

No business may assume that approval of a partnership grants exclusivity over FindB Europa, its communities, communication channels or commercial opportunities. The parties disclose conflicts of interest relevant to assessing or performing the agreement. All exclusivity clauses comply with applicable law, including competition law.

13. Confidentiality and use of information

During negotiations, the parties may access non-public commercial, technical, strategic or financial information. Each party must respect the confidential nature of information lawfully disclosed to it and use it only for authorised purposes. Unless prior authorisation or another valid legal basis applies, confidential information must not be disclosed to third parties or used for purposes unrelated to the negotiation or performance of the partnership.

Confidentiality does not prevent disclosures required by law and does not cover information that is demonstrably public without breach of a confidentiality obligation, was already lawfully known to the recipient or was independently and lawfully obtained. Where appropriate, the parties may sign a separate Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA), setting out specific terms including duration and exceptions.

14. Intellectual property and use of the FindB Europa brand

The FindB Europa brand, visual elements, logos, institutional text, promotional materials and other protected assets belong to their respective owners or are used with permission, as applicable.

Submitting a proposal or starting negotiations does not automatically grant permission to use the FindB Europa name, logos, institutional materials, exclusive content, graphic elements, systems, technology resources or non-public commercial materials. Any authorised use must comply with our conditions and, where applicable, the rights holder's requirements, and where necessary is documented in writing, specifying the purpose, channels, territory, duration and conditions of use.

Likewise, we respect partners' intellectual property rights and use their materials only as authorised. Ownership of jointly developed materials, licences and rights to project outputs are defined in the relevant contract.

15. Partners' products, services and commercial claims

Each partner is responsible for the legality, quality, safety and compliance of the products or services it provides, subject to applicable law and the contract, and must hold the permits, licences, rights and qualifications its activities require.

Information about products, services, prices, discounts, features, certifications, warranties and commercial terms must be truthful, clear and verifiable. No partner may use FindB Europa to promote unlawful activities, fraudulent schemes, counterfeit products, misleading commercial practices or services that breach applicable law.

Where a partnership involves advertising, commercial promotion or recommendations of products and services, the parties define their responsibilities and comply with advertising and consumer-protection rules. We may request clarifications or documentation and may refuse proposals that present significant legal or reputational risks. A prior assessment of a partner is not an absolute guarantee regarding all its products, services or activities.

16. Personal data protection

Processing personal data in connection with this portfolio complies with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other applicable rules. Data collected through forms may be used to respond to enquiries, assess partnership proposals, arrange meetings, negotiate commercial agreements, comply with legal obligations, protect website security and manage professional relationships arising from proposals.

The forms in the portfolio, including the partnership proposal form, the meeting booking form and the BlackSells agency enquiry form on its dedicated page, send your data to our server, where it is stored in a database and shown to authorised staff, together with the date and wording version of your consent. We keep it for the periods set out in the Security and Privacy Policy and staff can delete it on request.

Data is not collected or used for purposes incompatible with those communicated to you, and submitting a proposal does not automatically authorise sharing data with partners or sponsors. The purposes, legal bases, retention periods, rights and security measures are explained in the Security and Privacy Policy, which you should read before submitting personal information. The use of cookies and similar technologies is addressed in the Cookie Policy.

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal data, without guaranteeing absolute security or system invulnerability.

17. Integrity, legality and partner conduct

The parties conduct negotiations and perform agreements in good faith, transparently and in accordance with their obligations. We do not accept proposals involving:

• Fraud or document falsification.
• Corruption or unlawful payments.
• Money laundering or financing of unlawful activities.
• Misuse of personal data.
• Infringement of intellectual property rights.
• Misleading advertising.
• Commercial activities prohibited by applicable law.
• Attempts to obtain unauthorised access to systems.
• Unauthorised use of the FindB Europa brand or resources.

17.1 Additional checks and measures

Where justified by the nature and risk of the partnership, additional compliance declarations, documents or checks may be requested. If there are substantiated indications of irregularities, we may suspend our assessment or take other measures permitted by law. Any suspension or termination of an existing contractual relationship complies with the contract and applicable law.

18. Responsibilities and limitations

We undertake to assess partnership proposals responsibly and seek relationships consistent with our institutional objectives. Submitting a proposal does not guarantee acceptance or the conclusion of an agreement.

Unless expressly provided in a valid contract, FindB Europa does not guarantee proposal approval, completion of a partnership, specific commercial results, sales or revenue, a particular number of customers, continuous website availability, absence of technical failures or interruptions, or absolute absence of commercial risk. Each party is responsible for the obligations it undertakes and the acts it performs, under the contract and applicable law.

No provision of these Terms excludes or limits liability that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited, including liability arising under mandatory legal provisions.

19. External links and third-party services

The portfolio may contain links to external websites, platforms or services. Use of those services may be subject to their own terms, conditions and privacy policies, and we do not necessarily control services independently operated by third parties. A link does not mean that we guarantee the legality, security, availability or performance of the destination service.

20. Changes to these Terms and Conditions

We may update these Terms when necessary to reflect legal, operational, commercial or technological changes. The updated version is published in the portfolio with its revision date, and where changes are materially significant or required by law we take appropriate steps to inform interested parties.

Publishing a new version does not automatically amend contracts already concluded. Existing contracts remain subject to their terms, without prejudice to changes validly agreed by the parties or effects required by applicable law.

21. Applicable law and dispute resolution

These Terms are interpreted in accordance with the law applicable to the legal entity responsible for operating the portfolio and the activities carried out through it, without prejudice to the mandatory consumer protection rules of the country where you live.

In the event of a dispute concerning a proposal or partnership, the parties will, where appropriate, seek to resolve the matter through direct, good-faith communication. If an amicable solution cannot be reached, they may use the dispute-resolution mechanisms provided in the contract and applicable law. Nothing in this provision prevents access to the courts or the exercise of rights that cannot be waived by agreement.

22. Contact details and proposal submissions

Those interested in submitting proposals for partnerships, sponsorships, barter arrangements or institutional collaboration should use the form provided in the portfolio.

• Institutional partnership portfolio: www.joaodelabernarde.com.
• Official FindB Europa platform: comunidadesfindbeuropa.com.
• Privacy and personal data protection: Alesca de Labernarde and João Carlos de Labernarde, suporte@comunidadesfindbeuropa.com.
• Commercial partnerships: partnerships@findbeuropa.com or parcerias@findbeuropa.com.
• Applicants should give accurate information and say which language they feel most comfortable negotiating in. Where needed, they may request interpretation support, subject to prior confirmation of availability, qualifications, terms and costs.

23. Final provision and institutional commitment

FindB Europa believes that strong partnerships are built through trust, transparency, mutual respect and clearly defined objectives. Our commitment is to assess opportunities that may create value for the parties involved and contribute positively to Portuguese-speaking communities across Europe, through responsible commercial and institutional relationships with understandable terms, balanced obligations and respect for applicable law.

Submitting a proposal is only the beginning of an assessment and negotiation process. Any partnership, sponsorship, barter arrangement or commercial agreement on behalf of FindB Europa is subject to negotiation of the terms, an alignment meeting and written formalisation through a contract signed by duly authorised representatives, subject to applicable legal requirements.

We do not undertake definitive commitments solely on the basis of expressions of interest, informal conversations, messages, emails or preliminary meetings. An agreement should result from a conscious decision by the parties, with an understanding of the negotiated terms and the responsibilities assumed. These Terms do not exclude obligations that may arise under applicable law or from commitments validly undertaken in another legally recognised form.