For SBA lenders
Short answer
A business is considered small based on its industry's NAICS code, typically defined by average annual receipts or number of employees, as per SBA size standards.
The SBA establishes size standards for various industries, which are found in 13 CFR Part 121 and the SBA Table of Size Standards. These standards specify the maximum average annual receipts or number of employees a business can have to qualify as small for SBA programs. Affiliation rules must also be applied to determine the combined size.
A manufacturing business, NAICS 332710, has a size standard of 1,000 employees. If the applicant business, including affiliates, has 950 employees, it would be considered small.
13 CFR Part 121 - Small Business Size Regulations
SBA Table of Size Standards
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.
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