SBA loan basics
Short answer
Yes, the SBA defines "small" by both revenue (income) and number of employees, depending on your industry. Your business must meet these size standards to qualify for a 7(a) loan.
The SBA establishes size standards for various industries, typically expressed as average annual receipts (revenue) or average number of employees over a specific period. To be eligible for an SBA 7(a) loan, your business, along with any affiliated businesses, must not exceed these limits for its primary industry. These standards vary significantly by industry.
A consulting firm in NAICS code 541611 might have a size standard of $24 million in average annual receipts. If the firm's average annual revenue for the past three years is $20 million, it would be considered "small" for SBA purposes, assuming it meets other eligibility criteria.
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 2026-06-14. Official sources control — verify before relying on any rule for a live deal.
Last reviewed 2026-06-14 · SBA sources checked through 2026-06-14. 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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