For SBA lenders
Short answer
The size standard requirements for a business operating internationally are the same as domestic businesses, based on its primary industry, and include the aggregation of worldwide receipts and employees of all affiliates.
The SBA applies its size standards (either based on annual receipts or number of employees, depending on the NAICS code) to the applicant business and all its affiliates worldwide. All revenue and employees from both domestic and foreign operations of the applicant and its affiliates are aggregated to determine if it meets the "small business" definition for its primary industry.
A manufacturing company with its primary operations in the US and a subsidiary in Mexico applies for a 7(a) loan. The lender must combine the annual receipts and employees of both the US and Mexican entities to determine if the consolidated group meets the SBA size standard for manufacturing.
Insider move
Lenders must identify all domestic and international operations and affiliations. They need to collect consolidated financial statements and employee counts, including foreign entities, to accurately calculate the applicant's size against the relevant NAICS code.
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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