For SBA lenders
Short answer
Shared administrative services alone do not automatically trigger affiliation for size determination unless they are indicative of common management, shared facilities, or an identity of interest that establishes control or undue reliance.
SBA's affiliation rules focus on control. While sharing administrative services can be a factor considered, it's typically not sufficient on its own to establish affiliation unless it demonstrates that one entity controls the other's operations or management, or that common ownership/management exists.
Two separate businesses, owned by different individuals, use the same third-party accounting firm. This shared service alone would not trigger affiliation. However, if they share a common CEO or a majority owner, then affiliation is likely due to common management/ownership, not just the shared service.
13 CFR Part 121 - Small Business Size Regulations
SOP 50 10 - Lender and Development Company Loan Programs
Affiliation and Lending Criteria for SBA Business Loan Programs - Final Rule
Last checked 2026-06-13. Official sources control — verify before relying on any rule for a live deal.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 · SBA sources checked through 2026-06-13. DealRoom analysis of public SBA 7(a) lending records (FY2020–present). Grounded in the current SBA rulebook; verify against the official sources above before relying on it for a live deal. Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an approval decision.
More on affiliation & size
Terms in this answer
Pre-qualify your SBA 7(a) deal
Tell us the business, the price, and where you are — we'll point you to the lenders most likely to fund a deal like yours and flag anything that trips up approval.
Free · No documents · Usually same-day