SBA 7(a) Q&A
Short answer
The business's primary industry will be determined based on its highest percentage of receipts or employees, and that primary industry's size standard will apply for eligibility.
For a business operating in multiple industries, the SBA determines its primary industry by analyzing the distribution of revenues and, if revenue is inconclusive, employee count. The size standard (either revenue or employee-based) for that primary industry must then be met for SBA loan eligibility.
A business generates 60% of its revenue from IT consulting and 40% from web design services. The primary industry would be IT consulting, and the business must meet the IT consulting size standard (e.g., $30 million in annual receipts) to be eligible.
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.
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