SBA loan basics
Short answer
The SBA defines a "small business" based on specific size standards, which vary by industry (NAICS code), typically measured by average annual revenue or number of employees.
The SBA publishes a "Table of Size Standards" that lists maximum average annual receipts or maximum number of employees for various industries (identified by NAICS codes). To be eligible for a 7(a) loan, a business must fall below these thresholds for its primary industry, often determined by averaging the last three years' revenue or current employee count.
A manufacturing business might be considered small if it has fewer than 500 employees, while a retail business might be considered small if its average annual receipts are under $22 million. These figures vary greatly by industry.
SBA Table of Size Standards
13 CFR Part 121 - Small Business Size Regulations
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 who qualifies
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