For SBA lenders
Short answer
The SBA defines a "small business" based on specific size standards, which are typically measured by average annual receipts or number of employees, varying by the business's primary industry (NAICS code).
To be eligible for SBA programs, a business must meet the SBA's size standard for its primary industry. These standards are established by NAICS codes and are published in the Table of Size Standards. Affiliation rules are applied to aggregate the receipts or employees of all related businesses when determining size.
A manufacturing company (NAICS 33xxxx) might be considered small if it has fewer than 500 employees, while a retail business (NAICS 44xxxx) might have a size standard based on average annual receipts not exceeding $30 million.
Insider move
Lenders must accurately determine the applicant's primary NAICS code, verify their average annual receipts or employee count, and correctly apply affiliation rules to ensure the business meets the applicable size standard.
13 CFR Part 121 - Small Business Size Regulations
SBA Table of Size Standards
SOP 50 10 - Lender and Development Company Loan Programs
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
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