Secured Promissory Note (Concorde Consulting Corp)

Exhibit 10.3

SECURED PROMISSORY NOTE

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, HFactor, Inc., a Georgia corporation (the "Borrower"), hereby unconditionally promises to pay to the order of Concorde Consulting Corp., a Delaware corporation, or its assigns (the "Noteholder," and together with the Borrower, the "Parties"), the principal amount of up to $500,000.00 as provided in this Promissory Note (the "Note").

1. Definitions; Interpretation.

1.1 Capitalized terms used herein shall have the meanings set forth in this Section 1.1.

"Anti-Corruption Laws" means all laws, rules, and regulations of any jurisdiction applicable to the Borrower from time to time concerning or relating to bribery or corruption, including the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977.

"Beneficial Ownership Regulation" has the meaning set forth Section 12.10.

"Borrower" has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph.

"Business Day" means a day other than a Saturday, Sunday, or other day on which commercial banks in New York City are authorized or required by law to close.

"Debt" of the Borrower, means all (a) indebtedness for borrowed money; (b) obligations for the deferred purchase price of property or services, except trade payables arising in the ordinary course of business; (c) obligations evidenced by notes, bonds, debentures, or other similar instruments; (d) obligations as lessee under capital leases; (e) obligations in respect of any interest rate swaps, currency exchange agreements, commodity swaps, caps, collar agreements, or similar arrangements entered into by the Borrower providing for protection against fluctuations in interest rates, currency exchange rates, or commodity prices, or the exchange of nominal interest obligations, either generally or under specific contingencies; (f) obligations under acceptance facilities and letters of credit; (g) guaranties, endorsements (other than for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business), and other contingent obligations to purchase, to provide funds for payment, to supply funds to invest in any Person, or otherwise to assure a creditor against loss, in each case, in respect of indebtedness set out in clauses (a) through (f) of a Person other than the Borrower; and (h) indebtedness set out in clauses (a) through (g) of any Person other than Borrower secured by any lien on any asset of the Borrower, whether or not such indebtedness has been assumed by the Borrower.

"Default" means any of the events specified in Section 10 which constitute an Event of Default or which, upon the giving of notice, the lapse of time, or both, pursuant to Section 10, would, unless cured or waived, become an Event of Default.

“Escrow Agent” means the law firm of JDT Legal.

"Event of Default" has the meaning set forth in Section 10.

"GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America as in effect from time to time.

"Governmental Authority" means the government of the United States of America or any nation or any political subdivision thereof, whether state or local, and any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government (including any supra-national bodies such as the European Union or the European Central Bank).

"Law" as to any Person, means the certificate of incorporation and by-laws or other organizational or governing documents of such Person, and any law (including common law), statute, ordinance, treaty, rule, regulation, order, decree, judgment, writ, injunction, settlement agreement, requirement or determination of an arbitrator or a court or other Governmental Authority, in each case applicable to or binding upon such Person or any of its property or to which such Person or any of its property is subject.

"Lien" means any mortgage, pledge, hypothecation, encumbrance, lien (statutory or other), charge, or other security interest.

"Loan" means the principal amount of $250,000.00.

"Material Adverse Effect" means a material adverse effect on (a) the business, assets, properties, liabilities (actual or contingent), operations, condition (financial or otherwise), or prospects of the Borrower; (b) the validity or enforceability of the Note or Security Agreement; (c) the perfection or priority of any Lien purported to be created under the Security Agreement; (d) the rights or remedies of the Noteholder hereunder or under the Security Agreement; or (e) the Borrower's ability to perform any of its material obligations hereunder or under the Security Agreement.

"Note" has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph.

"Noteholder" has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph.

"OFAC" means the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control.

"Parties" has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph.

"Permitted Debt" means Debt (a) existing or arising under this Note and any refinancing thereof; (b) existing as of the date of this Note; (c) which may be deemed to exist with respect to swap contracts; (d) owed in respect of any netting services, overdrafts, and related liabilities arising from treasury, depository, and cash management services in connection with any automated clearinghouse transfers of funds; and (e) unsecured insurance premiums owing in the ordinary course of business.

"Person" means any individual, corporation, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, association, company, limited or general partnership, unincorporated organization, Governmental Authority, or other entity.

"Security Agreement" means the Security Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, by and between the Borrower and Noteholder.

"USA PATRIOT Act" means the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56, signed into law October 26, 2001).

1.2 Interpretation. For purposes of this Note (a) the words "include," "includes," and "including" shall be deemed to be followed by the words "without limitation"; (b) the word "or" is not exclusive; and (c) the words "herein," "hereof," "hereby," "hereto," and "hereunder" refer to this Note as a whole. The definitions given for any defined terms in this Note shall apply equally to both the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine, and neuter forms. Unless the context otherwise requires, references herein to: (x) Schedules, Exhibits, and Sections mean the Schedules, Exhibits, and Sections of this Note; (y) an agreement, instrument, or other document means such agreement, instrument, or other document as amended, supplemented, and modified from time to time to the extent permitted by the provisions thereof; and (z) a statute means such statute as amended from time to time and includes any successor legislation thereto and any regulations promulgated thereunder. This Note shall be construed without regard to any presumption or rule requiring construction or interpretation against the party drafting an instrument or causing any instrument to be drafted.

2. Loan Disbursement Mechanics. Upon execution of this Note, the Noteholder shall transfer the Loan amount to the Escrow Agent’s interest on lawyer’s trust account (“Escrow Account”) where the Loan will be held pending further instructions from the Borrower in accordance with the Parties’ agreements and the instructions set forth in the corresponding escrow agreement. The Note may be funded on various dates and in various tranches as determined by the Parties.

3. Interest; Repayment. The Loan shall accrue interest at the rate of 7% per annum and shall be due and payable May 31, 2024.

4. Security Agreement; Guaranty. The Borrower's performance of its obligations hereunder is secured by a first priority security interest in the collateral specified in the Security Agreement.

5. [Reserved].

6. Payment Mechanics.

6.1 Manner of Payments. All payments shall be made in lawful money of the United States of America on the date on which such payment is due by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the Noteholder's account at a bank specified by the Noteholder in writing to the Borrower from time to time.

6.2 Business Day Convention. Whenever any payment to be made hereunder shall be due on a day that is not a Business Day, such payment shall be made on the next succeeding Business Day and such extension will be taken into account in calculating the amount of interest payable under this Note.

6.3 Evidence of Debt. The Noteholder is authorized to record on the grid attached hereto as Exhibit 1 each Advance made to the Borrower and each payment or prepayment thereof. The entries made by the Noteholder shall, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, be prima facie evidence of the existence and amounts of the obligations of the Borrower therein recorded; provided, however, that the failure of the Noteholder to record such payments or prepayments, or any inaccuracy therein, shall not in any manner affect the obligation of the Borrower to repay (with applicable interest) the Loan in accordance with the terms of this Note.

6.4 Rescission of Payments. If at any time any payment made by the Borrower under this Note is rescinded or must otherwise be restored or returned upon the insolvency, bankruptcy, or reorganization of the Borrower or otherwise, the Borrower's obligation to make such payment shall be reinstated as though such payment had not been made.

7. Representations and Warranties. The Borrower hereby represents and warrants to the Noteholder on the date hereof as follows:

7.1 Existence; Power and Authority; Compliance with Laws. The Borrower (a) is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the state of its jurisdiction of organization, (b) has the requisite power and authority, and the legal right, to own, lease, and operate its properties and assets and to conduct its business as it is now being conducted, to execute and deliver this Note and the Security Agreement, and to perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder, and (c) is in compliance with all Laws.

7.2 Authorization; Execution and Delivery. The execution and delivery of this Note and the Security Agreement by the Borrower and the performance of its obligations hereunder and thereunder have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action in accordance with all applicable Laws. The Borrower has duly executed and delivered this Note and the Security Agreement.

7.3 No Approvals. No consent or authorization of, filing with, notice to, or other act by, or in respect of, any Governmental Authority or any other Person is required in order for the Borrower to execute, deliver, or perform any of its obligations under this Note or the Security Agreement.

7.4 No Violations. The execution and delivery of this Note and the Security Agreement and the consummation by the Borrower of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby do not and will not (a) violate any Law applicable to the Borrower or by which any of its properties or assets may be bound; or (b) constitute a default under any material agreement or contract by which the Borrower may be bound.

7.5 Enforceability. Each of the Note and the Security Agreement is a valid, legal, and binding obligation of the Borrower, enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with its terms.

7.6 No Litigation. No action, suit, litigation, investigation, or proceeding of, or before, any arbitrator or Governmental Authority is pending or threatened by or against the Borrower or any of its property or assets (a) with respect to the Note, the Security Agreement, or any of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby or (b) that could be expected to materially adversely affect the Borrower's financial condition or the ability of the Borrower to perform its obligations under the Note or the Security Agreement.

7.7 USA PATRIOT Act; Anti-Money Laundering. The Borrower is, and to the knowledge of the Borrower, its directors, officers, employees, and agents are, in compliance in all material respects with the USA PATRIOT Act, and any other applicable terrorism and money laundering laws, rules, regulations, and orders.

8. Affirmative Covenants. Until all amounts outstanding under this Note have been paid in full, the Borrower shall:

8.1 Maintenance of Existence. (a) Preserve, renew, and maintain in full force and effect its corporate or organizational existence and (b) take all reasonable action to maintain all rights, privileges, and franchises necessary or desirable in the normal conduct of its business, except, in each case, where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

8.2 Compliance. (a) Comply with all Laws applicable to it and its business and its obligations under its material contracts and agreements, except where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect and (b) maintain in effect and enforce policies and procedures reasonably designed to achieve compliance in all material respects by the Borrower and its directors, officers, employees and agents with Anti-Corruption Laws.

8.3 Payment Obligations. Pay, discharge, or otherwise satisfy at or before maturity or before they become delinquent, as the case may be, all its material obligations of whatever nature, except where the amount or validity thereof is currently being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, and reserves in conformity with GAAP with respect thereto have been provided on its books.

8.4 Notice of Events of Default. As soon as possible and in any event within two 2 Business Days after it becomes aware that an Event of Default has occurred, notify the Noteholder in writing of the nature and extent of such Event of Default and the action, if any, it has taken or proposes to take with respect to such Event of Default.

8.5 Further Assurances. Upon the request of the Noteholder, promptly execute and deliver such further instruments and do or cause to be done such further acts as may be necessary or advisable to carry out the intent and purposes of this Note and the Security Agreement.

9. Negative Covenants. Until all amounts outstanding under this Note have been paid in full, the Borrower shall not:

9.1 Indebtedness. Incur, create, or assume any Debt, other than Permitted Debt.

9.2 Liens. Incur, create, assume, or suffer to exist any Lien on any of its property or assets, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, except for (a) Liens for taxes not yet due or which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings if adequate reserves with respect thereto are maintained on the books of the Borrower in conformity with GAAP; and (b) non-consensual Liens arising by operation of law, arising in the ordinary course of business, and for amounts which are not overdue for a period of more than 30 days or that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings; and (c) Liens created pursuant to the Security Agreement.

9.3 Line of Business. Enter into any business, directly or indirectly, except for those businesses in which the Borrower is engaged on the date of this Note or that are reasonably related thereto.

10. Events of Default. The occurrence and continuance of any of the following shall constitute an Event of Default hereunder:

10.1 Failure to Pay Principal and Interest. The Borrower fails to pay the principal hereof or interest thereon when due on this Note, whether at maturity or upon acceleration and such breach continues for a period of five (5) days after written notice from the Holder.

10.2 Breach of Covenants. The Borrower breaches any material covenant or other material term or condition contained in this Note and any collateral documents including but not limited to the Security Agreement and such breach continues for a period of five (5) days after written notice thereof to the Borrower from the Holder.

10.3 Breach of Representations and Warranties. Any representation or warranty of the Borrower made herein or in any agreement, statement or certificate given in writing pursuant hereto or in connection herewith (including, without limitation, the Security Agreement), shall be false or misleading in any material respect when made and the breach of which has (or with the passage of time will have) a material adverse effect on the rights of the Holder with respect to this Note or the Security Agreement.

10.4 Receiver or Trustee. The Borrower or any subsidiary of the Borrower shall make an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or apply for or consent to the appointment of a receiver or trustee for it or for a substantial part of its property or business, or such a receiver or trustee shall otherwise be appointed.

10.5 Bankruptcy. Bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or liquidation proceedings or other proceedings, voluntary or involuntary, for relief under any bankruptcy law or any law for the relief of debtors shall be instituted by or against the Borrower or any subsidiary of the Borrower.

10.6 Delisting of Common Stock. The Borrower shall fail to maintain the listing of the Common Stock on at least one of the OTC (which specifically includes the quotation platforms maintained by the OTC Markets Group) or an equivalent replacement exchange, the Nasdaq National Market, the Nasdaq SmallCap Market, the New York Stock Exchange, or the American Stock Exchange.

10.7 Failure to Comply with the Exchange Act. The Borrower shall fail to comply with the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act; and/or the Borrower shall cease to be subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act.

10.8 Liquidation. Any dissolution, liquidation, or winding up of Borrower or any substantial portion of its business.

10.9 Cessation of Operations. Any cessation of operations by Borrower or Borrower admits it is otherwise generally unable to pay its debts as such debts become due, provided, however, that any disclosure of the Borrower’s ability to continue as a “going concern” shall not be an admission that the Borrower cannot pay its debts as they become due.

10.10 Financial Statement Restatement. The restatement of any financial statements filed by the Borrower with the SEC at any time until this Note is no longer outstanding, if the result of such restatement would, by comparison to the un-restated financial statement, have constituted a material adverse effect on the rights of the Holder with respect to this Note or the Security Agreement.

10.11 Replacement of Transfer Agent. In the event that the Borrower proposes to replace its transfer agent, the Borrower fails to provide, prior to the effective date of such replacement, a fully executed Irrevocable Transfer Agent Instructions in a form as initially delivered pursuant to the Purchase Agreement signed by the successor transfer agent to Borrower and the Borrower.

10.12 Cross-Default. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Note or the other related or companion documents, a breach or default by the Borrower of any covenant or other term or condition contained in any of the Other Agreements, after the passage of all applicable notice and cure or grace periods, shall, at the option of the Holder, be considered a default under this Note and the Other Agreements, in which event the Holder shall be entitled (but in no event required) to apply all rights and remedies of the Holder under the terms of this Note and the Other Agreements by reason of a default under said Other Agreement or hereunder. “Other Agreements” means, collectively, all agreements and instruments between, among or by: (1) the Borrower, and, or for the benefit of, (2) the Holder and any affiliate of the Holder, including, without limitation, promissory notes; provided, however, the term “Other Agreements” shall not include the related or companion documents to this Note. Each of the loan transactions will be cross-defaulted with each other loan transaction and with all other existing and future debt of Borrower to the Holder.

Upon the occurrence and during the continuation of any Event of Default specified in Section 10.1 (solely with respect to failure to pay the principal hereof or interest thereon when due), the Note shall become immediately due and payable and the Borrower shall pay to the Holder, in full satisfaction of its obligations hereunder, an amount equal to the Default Amount, as defined below. Upon the occurrence and during the continuation of any Event of Default specified herein, the Note shall become immediately due and payable and the Borrower shall pay to the Holder, in full satisfaction of its obligations hereunder, an amount equal to 120% times the sum of (w) the then outstanding principal amount of this Note plus (x) accrued and unpaid interest on the unpaid principal amount of this Note to the date of payment and all other amounts payable hereunder (the “Default Amount”). The Default Amount shall immediately become due and payable, without demand, presentment, or notice, all of which are hereby expressly waived, together with all costs, including, without limitation, legal fees and expenses, of collection, and the Holder shall be entitled to exercise all other rights and remedies available at law or in equity.

If the Borrower fails to pay the Default Amount within five (5) business days of an Event of Default, then the Holder shall have the right at any time to exercise the rights granted under the Security Agreement.

11. Remedies. Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default and at any time thereafter during the continuance of such Event of Default, the Noteholder may, at its option, by written notice to the Borrower (a) terminate its commitment to make any Advances hereunder; (b) declare the entire principal amount of the Loan, together with all other amounts payable under this Note, immediately due and payable; (c) exercise any or all of its rights, powers or remedies under the Security Agreement or applicable Law; and (d) assume ownership and management control of the Borrower; provided, however, that if an Event of Default described in Section 10.5 shall occur, the Loan shall become immediately due and payable without any notice, declaration, or other act on the part of the Noteholder. The remedies set forth in this Section 11 are not mutually exclusive.

12. Miscellaneous.

12.1 Notices.

(a) All notices, requests, or other communications required or permitted to be delivered hereunder shall be delivered in writing, in each case to the address specified below or to such other address as such Party may from time to time specify in writing in compliance with this provision:

(i) If to the Borrower:

244 Madison Ave, #1249

New York, NY 10016
Attn: Dawn Cames
Telephone: (929) 930-3969
Email: ***@***

(ii) If to the Noteholder:

18555 Collinns Ave

Sunny Isles, FL 33160
Attn: Adam Linder
Telephone: _______________
Email: ***@***

(b) Notices if (i) mailed by certified or registered mail or sent by hand or overnight courier service shall be deemed to have been given when received; (ii) sent by facsimile during the recipient's normal business hours shall be deemed to have been given when sent (and if sent after normal business hours shall be deemed to have been given at the opening of the recipient's business on the next business day); and (iii) sent by email shall be deemed received upon the sender's receipt of an acknowledgment from the intended recipient (such as by the "return receipt requested" function, as available, return email, or other written acknowledgment).

12.2 Expenses. The Borrower shall reimburse the Noteholder on demand for all out-of-pocket costs, expenses, and fees (including reasonable expenses and fees of its external counsel) incurred by the Noteholder in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby including the negotiation, documentation, and execution of this Note and the Security Agreement and the enforcement of the Noteholder's rights hereunder and thereunder.

12.3 Governing Law. This Note, the Security Agreement, and any claim, controversy, dispute, or cause of action (whether in contract or tort or otherwise) based upon, arising out of, or relating to this Note, the Security Agreement, and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby shall be governed by the laws of the State of Georgia.

12.4 Submission to Jurisdiction. 

(a) The Borrower hereby irrevocably and unconditionally (i) agrees that any legal action, suit, or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Note or the Security Agreement may be brought in the courts of the State of Florida and (ii) submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of any such court in any such action, suit, or proceeding. Final judgment against the Borrower in any action, suit, or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in any other jurisdiction by suit on the judgment.

(b) Nothing in this Section 12.4 shall affect the right of the Noteholder to (i) commence legal proceedings or otherwise sue the Borrower in any other court having jurisdiction over the Borrower or (ii) serve process upon the Borrower in any manner authorized by the laws of any such jurisdiction.

12.5 Venue. The Borrower irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Note or the Security Agreement in any court referred to in Section 12.4 and the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding in any such court.

12.6 Waiver of Jury Trial. THE BORROWER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY RELATING TO THIS NOTE, THE SECURITY AGREEMENT, OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY, WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT, OR ANY OTHER THEORY.

12.7 Integration. This Note and the Security Agreement constitute the entire contract between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all previous agreements and understandings, oral or written, with respect thereto.

12.8 Successors and Assigns. This Note may be assigned or transferred by the Noteholder to any Person. The Borrower may not assign or transfer this Note or any of its rights hereunder without the prior written consent of the Noteholder. This Note shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, the Parties and their permitted assigns.

12.9 Waiver of Notice. The Borrower hereby waives demand for payment, presentment for payment, protest, notice of payment, notice of dishonor, notice of nonpayment, notice of acceleration of maturity, and diligence in taking any action to collect sums owing hereunder.

12.10 USA PATRIOT Act. The Noteholder hereby notifies the Borrower that pursuant to the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act and 31 C.F.R. § 1010.230 (the "Beneficial Ownership Regulation"), it is required to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies the Borrower, which information includes the name and address of the Borrower and other information that will allow the Noteholder to identify the Borrower in accordance with the USA PATRIOT Act and the Beneficial Ownership Regulation, and the Borrower agrees to provide such information from time to time to the Noteholder.

12.11 Amendments and Waivers. No term of this Note may be waived, modified, or amended except by an instrument in writing signed by both of the Parties. Any waiver of the terms hereof shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose given.

12.12 Headings. The headings of the various Sections and subsections herein are for reference only and shall not define, modify, expand, or limit any of the terms or provisions hereof.

12.13 No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies. No failure to exercise, and no delay in exercising on the part of the Noteholder, of any right, remedy, power, or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power, or privilege hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, remedy, power, or privilege. The rights, remedies, powers, and privileges herein provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights, remedies, powers, and privileges provided by law.

12.14 Electronic Execution. The words "execution," "signed," "signature," and words of similar import in the Note shall be deemed to include electronic or digital signatures or electronic records, each of which shall be of the same effect, validity, and enforceability as manually executed signatures or a paper-based record-keeping system, as the case may be, to the extent and as provided for under applicable law, including the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act of 2000 (15 U.S.C. §§ 7001 to 7031), the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA), or any state law based on the UETA, including the New York Electronic Signatures and Records Act (N.Y. State Tech. §§ 301 to 309).

12.15 Severability. If any term or provision of this Note or the Security Agreement is invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability shall not affect any other term or provision of this Note or the Security Agreement or invalidate or render unenforceable such term or provision in any other jurisdiction. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the Parties shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Note so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in a mutually acceptable manner in order that the transactions contemplated hereby be consummated as originally contemplated to the greatest extent possible.

[signature page follows]

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Borrower has executed this Note effective as of August 11, 2023.

Exhibit A

Advances and Payments on the Loan