SBA loan basics
Short answer
The SBA determines if a business is "small" based on its industry, using criteria like annual revenue (receipts) or the number of employees, which are specific to each industry's NAICS code.
The SBA establishes size standards for various industries, outlined in the Table of Size Standards. A business must not exceed these thresholds to be eligible for 7(a) loan programs. Affiliation rules are also considered, meaning the size of related businesses can be combined when determining eligibility.
A manufacturing company with 400 employees and $30 million in annual revenue applies for an SBA 7(a) loan. If the size standard for its industry is 500 employees or $38.5 million in revenue, the business would be considered "small" and eligible based on size.
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.
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