Small Business Encyclopedia

Category: Starting-a-business

Fictitious Name Certificate

A legal document showing the operating name of a company, as opposed to the legal name of the company. In the case of a corporation, a fictitious business name is any name other than the corporate name stated in its articles of incorporation.

Doing Business As (DBA)

The operating name of a company, as opposed to the legal name of the company. Some states require DBA or fictitious business name filings to be made for the protection of consumers conducting business with the entity.

Business Incubator

An organization designed to accelerate the growth and success of entrepreneurial companies through an array of business support resources and services that could include physical space, capital, coaching, common services, and networking connections

Business Name

The name by which people know your business. Different from your dba--which is the legal name you register for your business, this is the name you'd use to advertise and sell your products and services.

Business Opportunity

Legal definitions vary; in its simplest terms, a business opportunity is a packaged business investment that allows the buyer to begin a business. The Federal Trade Commission and 25 states regulate the concept.

Business Permits

A legal document that offers proof of compliance with certain city or state laws regulating structural appearances and safety as well as the sale of products

Pricing a Product

To establish a selling price for a product

Pricing a Service

To establish a selling price for a service

Naming a Business

The act of selecting a word or words by which your company will be known

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