Terms and conditions of sale

For the purposes of these Terms and Conditions:

– Client: any natural or legal person registering for and participating in the programs (hereinafter the “Program(s)”) offered by The Bench Incubateur, or registering participants for such programs.

Article 1 – Presentation

The Bench Incubateur is a simplified joint-stock company (SAS) with a share capital of €7,166.40, whose registered office is located at 23 boulevard François Mitterrand, 91000 Évry-Courcouronnes, France, registered under number 948 203 708 R.C.S. Evry (hereinafter referred to as “The Bench” or “The Bench Incubateur”).

The Bench provides entrepreneurship support programs, fundraising support programs, as well as continuing education and training programs. These programs are designed to help Clients advance in the development of their entrepreneurial projects.

Programs may take place in person, or online (synchronous remote sessions / videoconference). They are open to project leaders and entrepreneurs of all backgrounds, startups, SMEs, mid-sized companies and large corporations.

Article 2 – Purpose and scope

These Terms and Conditions of Sale (TCS) apply to all support programs offered by The Bench as described in Article 1.
Any order implies the Client’s unconditional acceptance of these Terms and Conditions, except in cases where a specific agreement has been signed between the Client and The Bench.

The Bench reserves the right to modify these Terms and Conditions at any time.

The applicable version is the one in force on the date of the Client’s registration.

Article 3 – Program content

3.1 Pre-incubation, incubation and acceleration programs

The Bench makes every effort to present the details of each program on its website. Clients may review the program content before registering and may contact customer support for additional information or questions.

The academic director and program instructors reserve the right to adapt the program content described in the presentation materials in order to better align with the current developments in the field and participants’ expectations.
Such adjustments do not entitle the Client to any compensation.

Prior to final registration, the Client acknowledges having received these Terms and Conditions, the program content and the program price.

3.2 Fundraising support programs

For fundraising support programs, the Client’s needs, the scope of intervention, and The Bench’s remuneration are defined in a specific support agreement signed between the Client and The Bench.

3.3 Continuing education programs

For continuing education programs, The Bench establishes a training program, an intervention plan and a quotation based on the Client’s expressed needs.

Article 4 – Registration procedure

4.1 Pre-incubation programs

Applicants must complete the dedicated application form available on The Bench website.

Applications are reviewed within 72 hours. If the application is accepted by the selection committee, The Bench will send the pre-incubation agreement, and the payment instructions.

Applications must be submitted no later than 10 days before the start of the program session.
Later registrations may exceptionally be accepted depending on availability.

Registration becomes final only after full payment and confirmation by email from The Bench Incubateur.

2. Incubation programs

Applicants must complete the application form available on the website, or upon request via candidatures@the-bench.fr

If the application is shortlisted, the candidate will be invited to an interview with the selection committee.
Following this interview, if the application is accepted, The Bench will send the incubation agreement, and the payment instructions.

4.3 Acceleration programs

Applicants must complete a contact form on the website or contact candidatures@the-bench.fr

If the application is selected, the candidate will be invited to an interview with the selection committee. If accepted, The Bench will send the acceleration agreement, and the payment instructions.

4.4 Fundraising support programs

Applicants must submit a request via the website or by contacting candidatures@the-bench.fr

If the request is accepted, an interview will be organized.

Following this interview, The Bench will send a fundraising support agreement specifying the scope of services and remuneration.

4.5 Continuing education programs

Applicants or companies wishing to benefit from customized training programs must contact The Bench via candidatures@the-bench.fr.

The order becomes effective upon receipt of a signed support agreement, or a signed quotation.  Any order implies acceptance of the program content described in the catalog or proposal.

Article 5 – Limitation of the number of Clients

The number of Clients per program is limited.

In case of excess applications, priority will be given to projects that best meet The Bench Incubateur’s selection criteria, including: innovation, environmental or social impact, economic viability, responsible governance.

Article 6 – Price and financial terms

Prices are indicated in euros excluding VAT.
Prices may be modified at any time. However, the price invoiced will be the one announced at the time of the order.

Prices include training fees and educational materials (when applicable).

Prices do not include travel, accommodation or meal expenses for in-person sessions.

Article 7 – Invoicing and payment terms

The invoice will be issued upon signature of the agreement.

Payment must be made by bank transfer to the account of The Bench Incubateur indicated on the invoice.

Failure to pay results in non-validation of the registration.

Article 8 – Right of withdrawal

The Client has a 14-day withdrawal period from the date of signing the agreement.

However, if the registration occurs less than 14 days before the program begins, the Client expressly agrees that the services may start before the end of the withdrawal period. In this case, the Client waives the right of withdrawal in accordance with Article L221-28 of the French Consumer Code.

To exercise the right of withdrawal, the Client must notify The Bench by email with acknowledgment of receipt at candidatures@the-bench.fr

Article 9 – Cancellation

Any cancellation after the withdrawal period must be communicated in writing.

Cancellation fees:

• More than 15 days before the program : no cancellation fee
• Between 15 and 7 days before the program : 50% of the program fee
• Less than 7 days before the program : 100% of the program fee

The Bench reserves the right to cancel or postpone a session up to 5 business days before the start date if the number of registrations is insufficient. Clients will be informed by phone and confirmed by email.
In such a case, The Bench will refund the Client. The Client may also register with priority for the next session.

The Bench cannot be held liable for any indirect costs resulting from cancellation or postponement.

Any program started remains fully payable.

Article 10 – Personal data

In accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), The Bench undertakes to implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to ensure the security and confidentiality of personal data.

Personal data is not subcontracted and is used only within the framework of training programs or related collaboration.

Personal data is retained for three (3) years, or longer if necessary to comply with legal obligations or resolve disputes.

Article 11 – Intellectual property

The materials and teachings provided during the programs are intended exclusively for the Client’s use.

The Bench Incubateur and its instructors hold the intellectual property rights relating to workshops, manuals, training materials and documents provided to Clients.

Any reproduction, adaptation, or public distribution without prior written authorization from The Bench Incubateur is prohibited.

Article 12 – Liability of The Bench

The Bench is subject to an obligation of means.

Its liability is limited to compensation for direct damages proven by the Client.

The maximum liability is limited to the amount paid by the Client for the service concerned.

The Bench shall not be liable for indirect damages, including loss of data, loss of files, loss of business, commercial damage, loss of profit, damage to reputation or image, etc.

Article 13 – Confidentiality

Both parties undertake to keep confidential all information and documents relating to the other party, whether economic, technical or commercial, that may be accessed during the execution of the contract or during prior discussions.

Article 14 – Communication

The Client agrees to be cited as a client of The Bench.

The Bench may mention:

• the Client’s name
• trademarks or logos
• a description of the services provided

in:

• reference lists (including websites)
• proposals to prospects
• internal communications
• reports to shareholders
• documents required by legal or regulatory obligations.

Article 15 – Applicable law and jurisdiction

These Terms and Conditions are governed by French law.

Any dispute relating to the interpretation or execution of these Terms and Conditions, failing an amicable agreement between the parties, shall be submitted to the competent courts.