SBA 7(a) Q&A
Short answer
The SBA defines a "small business" by specific size standards, which vary by industry, primarily based on average annual receipts or number of employees, along with general eligibility criteria.
To qualify for an SBA 7(a) loan, the applicant business (including all affiliates) must meet the SBA's definition of small for its primary industry. These size standards are published by the SBA and specify maximum revenue or employee counts.
If you are acquiring a restaurant, the business (including your other ventures) must typically have average annual receipts of no more than $9 million to meet the SBA's size standard for that industry, regardless of the loan amount.
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 2026-06-14. Official sources control — verify before relying on any rule for a live deal.
Last reviewed 2026-06-14 · SBA sources checked through 2026-06-14. 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 eligibility & 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