{"ok":true,"canonical_url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/ceo","api_url":"https://dealroom.so/api/public/glossary/ceo","data_freshness":{"sba_records_through":"2026-05-31","fdic_records_through":"2026-03-31","dealroom_last_updated":"2026-06-15","timezone":"America/Chicago"},"source_summary":["Public SBA 7(a) loan records","FDIC institution data","DealRoom lender and franchise enrichment"],"term":{"slug":"ceo","term":"CEO","group":"People and paperwork","definition":"The highest-ranking executive in a company, responsible for overall strategic direction and operations. As the new CEO, you will be the primary guarantor and key person for the SBA loan, making your experience and character critical.","what_it_means":"In an acquisition, you, as the incoming CEO or managing member, will be considered a \"key principal.\" The SBA and lender will evaluate your management experience, credit history, and character. Your ability to run the business effectively is central to the loan's approval and success.","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/ceo","official_sources":[{"slug":"sba-form-1919","title":"SBA Form 1919 — Borrower Information Form","official_url":"https://www.sba.gov/document/sba-form-1919-borrower-information-form","official_label":"View on SBA.gov","authority_tier":4,"publisher":"U.S. Small Business Administration","source_guide_url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-7a/sources/sba-form-1919"}],"related":[{"slug":"key-principal","term":"Key principal","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/key-principal"},{"slug":"good-character","term":"Good character","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/good-character"},{"slug":"majority-owner","term":"Majority Owner","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/majority-owner"},{"slug":"personal-guarantee","term":"Personal guarantee","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/personal-guarantee"}],"related_questions":[]},"caveats":["Definitions represent DealRoom's plain-English interpretation for buyers; verify regulatory terms against the official SBA and eCFR sources listed.","Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an SBA eligibility determination."],"citation":{"label":"DealRoom.so Glossary — CEO","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/ceo","source_type":"DealRoom Data"}}