Legal

Privacy Policy

Effective Date: July 2026

Whitney McQuade Consulting Limited, doing business as FEC Connect (a product of The Female Entrepreneur Community®)

Overview

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information when you use FEC Connect, our matching platform for female entrepreneurs. By creating an account, you agree to the terms outlined here.

1. Who We Are

We are Whitney McQuade Consulting Limited, a Canadian company operating FEC Connect under The Female Entrepreneur Community®.

Questions: info@thefecgroup.com

5005 Dalhousie Dr NW Unit 175 #1303, Calgary Alberta Canada, T3A 5R8

2. What Information We Collect

  • Your name, email address, and profile information (bio, business category, offer details, photos)
  • Billing and payment information (processed securely by Stripe)
  • Country, region, or IP address
  • Swipe activity, matches, messages, and Spark activity between members
  • Interactions with our marketing emails (opens, clicks)
  • Technical data like browser type or device used, for analytics purposes only

3. How We Collect Information

We collect information when you:

  • Create an account or complete your profile
  • Swipe, match, message, or send Sparks to other members
  • Subscribe to a paid plan or purchase Sparks
  • Contact us for support
  • Interact with our website or emails

Some information is collected automatically through cookies and analytics tools.

4. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal data to:

  • Operate the matching and messaging features of the Platform
  • Process payments and manage subscriptions
  • Send account updates, match notifications, and Spark alerts
  • Provide customer support
  • Improve our matching algorithm and platform features
  • Send marketing emails, only if you have opted in
  • Comply with legal and financial record-keeping requirements

We will never sell, rent, or trade your personal data to third parties.

5. Who Has Access to Your Information

  • Authorized members of our internal team who handle operations and support
  • Other members you match or interact with, limited to the profile information you choose to share
  • Our service providers, including Stripe (payments), Resend (email delivery), and Base44 (platform infrastructure)

These providers are contractually required to protect your information and only use it as instructed by us.

6. Data Storage and Security

Your data is stored securely with encryption and access controls. We use industry-standard encryption for all payments and transactions. No online system can ever be 100% secure. By using FEC Connect, you acknowledge that some risk is inherent in transmitting data over the internet.

7. Cookies and Analytics

We use cookies and analytics tools to remember your preferences, understand how members use the Platform, and improve our features. You can disable cookies in your browser settings, though some functions may not work correctly.

8. Email Communications

We send account-related emails (match notifications, Spark alerts, billing) as part of using the Platform. You can unsubscribe from marketing emails at any time using the link in any email or by contacting info@thefecgroup.com. We comply with Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) and GDPR for international members.

9. Payment Information

All payments are handled securely by Stripe. We do not store your full payment details on our servers.

10. Data Retention

We keep your personal data for as long as necessary to provide the Platform, comply with legal and tax requirements, and maintain business records. After that, your data is securely deleted or anonymized. If you delete your account, your profile and matching data will be removed within a reasonable timeframe. Messages sent to other members may remain visible to them.

11. International Data Transfers

Because we use service providers located outside Canada (Stripe, Resend, Base44, which may store data in the U.S.), your information may be transferred internationally. We ensure our providers meet privacy standards consistent with Canadian and GDPR requirements.

12. Your Rights (GDPR & Privacy Laws)

Depending on where you live, you have the right to:

  • Request access to your personal data
  • Ask for corrections to inaccurate information
  • Request deletion of your data
  • Withdraw consent to marketing
  • File a complaint with your local data authority

To exercise any of these rights, email info@thefecgroup.com.

13. Children's Privacy

FEC Connect is designed for adult entrepreneurs. We do not knowingly collect personal data from anyone under 18. If you believe a minor has provided us with personal information, contact us immediately so we can delete it.

14. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy as needed. When updates are made, we will change the "Effective Date" above. Continued use of FEC Connect means you accept the updated version.

15. Contact Information

Whitney McQuade Consulting Limited (DBA The Female Entrepreneur Community®)

info@thefecgroup.com

5005 Dalhousie Dr NW Unit 175 #1303, Calgary Alberta Canada, T3A 5R8

© 2026 Whitney McQuade Consulting Limited. All Rights Reserved.