SBA loan basics
Short answer
Yes, your business must meet the SBA's definition of "small" for your specific industry, based on either average annual revenue or number of employees.
The SBA establishes size standards for various industries, which are usually expressed as average annual receipts over a specific period or average number of employees. These standards ensure that only truly small businesses benefit from the program, preventing larger enterprises from utilizing resources intended for small businesses.
A consulting firm applies for a 7(a) loan. Its industry's size standard is $25 million in average annual receipts. If the firm's average receipts are $20 million, it is considered small; if they are $30 million, it is not.
SOP 50 10 - Lender and Development Company Loan Programs
13 CFR Part 121 - Small Business Size Regulations
SBA Table of Size Standards
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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