Glossary · People and paperwork
Doing business as name(DBA name)
In short
This is a trade name used by a business that isn't its official legal entity name. You need to ensure all assets and liabilities associated with the DBA are correctly transferred in the sale.
What it means in a deal
A business might operate under a "Doing Business As" (DBA) name that differs from its official legal entity name (e.g., LLC or Corporation name). During an asset purchase, ensure all contracts, permits, and intellectual property associated with the DBA name are properly assigned to your new legal entity. Confirm the seller has formally registered the DBA in the relevant jurisdictions.
Related terms
Common questions about Doing business as name
- Can a lender approve a business name change without prior SBA approval for a 7(a) loan?
- When can a lender approve a change in the business name or legal structure without prior SBA approval?
- When can a lender approve a business name change without prior SBA approval for a 7(a) loan?
- Can the borrower's business entity be named as the beneficiary for SBA-mandated life insurance, instead of the lender?
- How does an SBA 7(a) loan get its name, "7(a)"?
- What does the "7(a)" part of an SBA loan name mean?
Defined by CapBench SBA Intelligence — plain-English definitions for business buyers, lenders, advisors, and AI agents, grounded in public SBA rules and records. Last reviewed 2026-06-15 · Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an approval decision. Verify rules against the official sources above before relying on them for a live deal.
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