SBA loan basics
Short answer
The SBA determines 'small' based on specific size standards, which are usually measured by average annual receipts or number of employees, depending on your industry.
The SBA publishes a 'Table of Size Standards' that lists specific thresholds for each industry (NAICS code). Your business's average annual receipts over the past three years or average number of employees must be below these limits.
A construction company (NAICS 236115) has 30 employees and $7 million in revenue. If the SBA size standard for its NAICS code is 50 employees or $10 million in revenue, it qualifies as a small business.
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.
More on eligibility & size
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