EmberCommons by Emberline ← Back to Directory
Directory Standards

Community Guidelines

Version 1.0 Effective: March 2026
The Emberline Standard

Listed by Emberline means something.

EmberCommons is not a marketplace where anyone can pay to appear. It is a curated directory where businesses are reviewed, approved, and held to a standard. The goal is simple: when someone finds a business here, they should be able to trust it without hesitation.

01

What EmberCommons Is

EmberCommons is a curated business directory operated by Emberline Holdings Company LLC. It connects quality local and professional businesses with the communities they serve — starting in San Antonio, Texas.

EmberCommons is not an advertising platform. Being listed here is a signal that a business has met Emberline's baseline standards for quality, legitimacy, and honest representation. We take that signal seriously. So should every business that appears here.

The Standard
"Would I refer this business to my family without hesitation?" Every listing is measured against that question. If the answer is no — or even uncertain — the listing does not belong here.
02

Eligibility

Any legitimately operating business may apply, provided it meets these requirements:

Businesses outside San Antonio are welcome. Remote and national businesses may apply in the Technology, Professional Services, and Education categories.

03

What We Accept

Accepted

  • Home services — cleaning, maintenance, landscaping, repair
  • Healthcare — licensed medical, dental, mental health, wellness
  • Education — tutoring, coaching, training, academic support
  • Technology — software, IT services, digital solutions
  • Beauty & wellness — salons, spas, aesthetics, fitness
  • Food & beverage — restaurants, catering, specialty food
  • Professional services — legal, financial, consulting, accounting
  • Arts & creative — photography, design, music, media
  • Retail & shopping — local boutiques, specialty stores
  • Community & nonprofits — organizations serving the public

Not Accepted

  • MLM or pyramid-structured businesses
  • Payday lending or predatory financial services
  • Gambling or adult entertainment businesses
  • Any business operating illegally
  • Businesses with substantiated consumer fraud history
  • Shell companies with no verifiable operations
  • Businesses built on misleading or deceptive practices
  • Political campaigns or partisan organizations
04

What We Do Not Accept

The following conduct results in rejection or removal regardless of business type:

05

Listing Tiers

All tiers are subject to the same eligibility standards. The tier determines visibility and features, not the standard applied.

TierMonthly FeeWhat's Included
Standard$49/moName, description, category, contact, service area. Appears in directory search and category pages.
Featured$149/moStandard + logo, photo gallery (up to 3 images), priority placement, "Featured" badge.
Partner$299/moFeatured + dedicated partner page, "Emberline Partner" badge, co-marketing eligibility, featured placement on the Emberline Group site.

Payment is processed monthly via Stripe. Listings go live only after approval — no charge is collected until your listing is approved. If declined, no charge applies.

06

Review Process

Every listing application is reviewed by Emberline before going live. There is no automatic approval.

01
Apply

Submit via emberlinegroup.org. Include business name, category, description, contact, and service area.

02
Review

We verify legitimacy, eligibility, and guideline compliance. Typical time: 2–5 business days.

03
Decision

Approved, declined, or more information requested. Every application receives a direct email response.

04
Live

Upon approval and payment setup, your listing goes live. Update your details anytime by emailing us.

We may request additional verification — business license, professional certification, or proof of insurance — for businesses in regulated categories.

07

Listing Content Standards

Business Name

Must be your actual registered or DBA name. No keyword stuffing (e.g., "Joe's Plumbing Best San Antonio Plumber 78244" is not acceptable).

Description

Must be accurate and honest. Do not include unsubstantiated superlative claims ("Best in Texas," "#1 in San Antonio") without a verifiable source. Do not include promotional pricing in the description.

Contact Information

Must be current and functional. If contact information changes, update it within 30 days. Listings with non-functional contact information will be suspended.

Images — Featured and Partner Tiers

08

Ongoing Compliance

A listing in EmberCommons is an ongoing relationship. Listed businesses agree to:

09

Removal Policy

Listings may be suspended or removed for:

Suspension means the listing is temporarily hidden pending resolution. Removal means the listing is permanently taken down. Removed businesses may reapply after 90 days if the underlying issue is resolved — except in cases of fraud, where reapplication may be permanently barred.

We will provide written notice and a minimum of 7 days to respond before removing any listing for non-payment or compliance reasons, except where immediate action is required for safety, fraud, or illegal activity.

10

Appeals

To appeal a declined application, suspension, or removal, email hello@emberlinegroup.org with "EmberCommons Appeal" in the subject line. Include your business name, the decision being appealed, and any supporting documentation.

We will respond within 10 business days. One appeal per decision is permitted. If denied, the decision is final.

11

Contact

EmberCommons Directory

General Inquiries:hello@emberlinegroup.org
Appeals:hello@emberlinegroup.org — subject: "EmberCommons Appeal"
Operated by:Emberline Holdings Company LLC
Response Time:2–5 business days for applications · 10 days for appeals