Glossary · Reading the business
Intangible asset
In short
An intangible asset is a non-physical asset that has economic value, such as goodwill, patents, trademarks, customer lists, or brand recognition. These are often crucial to a business's long-term value.
What it means in a deal
In an SBA 7(a) acquisition, you're often paying for more than just physical assets; you're buying the "goodwill" and other intangible assets that drive the business's earnings. While not directly collateral for the loan in the same way as tangible assets, their value underpins the business's cash flow capacity and overall purchase price.
Related terms
Common questions about Intangible asset
- Does the SBA take a lien on all business assets, even minor fixtures or intangible assets?
- How does the SBA typically value intangible assets like customer lists or software for collateral?
- How does an SBA 7(a) loan handle intangible assets like intellectual property as collateral?
- How does the SBA assess the value of "blue sky" or intangible assets when underwriting a business acquisition?
- What specific considerations apply to valuing goodwill and intangible assets in a 7(a) change-of-ownership transaction?
- Is a separate appraisal required for goodwill when buying a business for $1,200,000 with significant intangible assets?
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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