Effective Date: March 16, 2026

Welcome to Hashtag Local Inc. (#local). These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your access to and use of our website, located at hashtaglocal.com, and all services provided through the Community Hub (the “Platform”).

By creating an account, purchasing a gift card, or using our AI tools, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, please do not use the Platform.

1. The Service

Hashtag Local Inc. is a social enterprise and the for-profit arm of the Hashtag Charitable Foundation. Our platform serves as a digital bridge connecting residents of Sarnia-Lambton with local businesses, events, and AI-driven community information.

2. Eligibility & Accounts

Age: You must be at least 18 years old to purchase gift cards or register a business account.

Account Security: You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials. You agree to notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account.

Accuracy: You agree to provide accurate and current information when creating an account or listing a business.

3. Community Hub & User Content

The Community Hub allows users and "Approved Businesses" to post updates, events, and promotions.

Ownership: You retain ownership of any content you post, but you grant Hashtag Local Inc. a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to display, distribute, and promote that content across our Platform.

Prohibited Content: You may not post content that is illegal, fraudulent, defamatory, or promotes hate speech. We reserve the right to remove any content at our sole discretion.

4. AI Tools (Local Genius & Marketing Genius)

Our AI tools provide recommendations based on available local data.

No Guarantees: While we strive for accuracy, our AI "Local Genius" may occasionally provide information that is outdated or incorrect. Users should verify critical information (like store hours or event locations) directly with the merchant.

Limitation of Use: AI-generated marketing advice is for suggestive purposes only. Hashtag Local Inc. is not responsible for the performance of business campaigns created using our tools.

5. Gift Card Marketplace (The 20% Model)

Transaction Role: Hashtag Local Inc. acts as a facilitator. When you buy a discounted gift card, the contract for the goods or services is between you and the Merchant.

Discount Policy: Gift cards are sold at a 20% discount to support local economic growth.

All Sales Final: Due to the promotional nature of these cards, all purchases are non-refundable.

Merchant Responsibility: The Merchant is solely responsible for honoring the gift card. In the event of a merchant closure, Hashtag Local Inc. will attempt to assist users but is not legally liable for the lost value.

6. Intellectual Property

The "#local" name, logos, website design, and proprietary AI interfaces are the property of Hashtag Local Inc. You may not use our branding without prior written consent.

7. Disclaimers & Limitation of Liability

"As-Is" Service: The Platform is provided on an "as-is" basis. We do not guarantee that the site will be error-free or uninterrupted.

Third-Party Links: Our Hub contains links to third-party websites (merchants, charities, etc.). We do not endorse or assume responsibility for these external sites.

Liability Cap: To the maximum extent permitted by law, Hashtag Local Inc.’s liability for any claim arising from your use of the site is limited to the amount you paid us (if any) in the 12 months preceding the claim.

8. Termination

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your access to the Platform if you violate these Terms or engage in behavior that harms the #local community.

9. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada. Any disputes shall be resolved in the courts of Sarnia, Ontario.

10. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by posting a notice on our homepage or via email. Your continued use of the Platform after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the new Terms.

11. Mobile Messaging (A2P SMS Compliance)
By providing your phone number and opting in through our website forms or booking calendar, you agree to receive SMS text messages from Hashtag Local Inc.

Eligibility: You must be 18 years of age or older to use this SMS service.

Usage: Messages are strictly for appointment reminders, confirmations, and administrative updates regarding your account.

Opt-Out: You can cancel the SMS service at any time. Simply text STOP to our number. Upon sending STOP, we will confirm your unsubscribe status via SMS. Following this, you will no longer receive SMS messages from us.

Help: If you are experiencing issues with the messaging program, you can reply with the keyword HELP for more assistance or email [email protected].

Liability: Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.

Rates: Message and data rates may apply for any messages sent to you from us and to us from you. Message frequency varies based on your interaction with the platform.

Privacy: Mobile information will not be shared with third parties/affiliates for marketing/promotional purposes. All the above categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties.

Contact Us

If you have any questions regarding these Terms, please contact: Hashtag Local Inc. 180 College Ave N, Sarnia, Ontario, Canada, N7T 7X2 Email: [email protected] Phone: +1 519-330-1138