Glossary · The loan itself
In short
This is the process where the SBA decides if your business, including any affiliates, meets the size standards to qualify for an SBA loan. It's crucial for eligibility.
For an SBA 7(a) loan, your business must qualify as "small" based on specific industry codes (NAICS) and either revenue or employee count. The SBA size determination considers all affiliates. Work with your lender to ensure your acquisition structure and combined entities meet these size standards to avoid eligibility issues.
13 CFR Part 120 — Business Loans
Office of the Federal Register · Federal regulation
7(a) Loan Program — Terms, Conditions, and Eligibility
U.S. Small Business Administration · Official SBA source
Last checked 2026-06-15. Official sources control — verify before relying on any rule for a live deal.
Defined by DealRoom.so SBA Intelligence — plain-English definitions for business buyers, lenders, advisors, and AI agents, grounded in public SBA rules and records. Last reviewed 2026-06-15 · Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an approval decision. Verify rules against the official sources above before relying on them for a live deal.
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