In general, SBA considers a business eligible if it is independently owned and operated, organized to generate profit and is not dominant in its field.

To apply this general definition, SBA has established size standards for specific industries. The size standards are based upon SIC codes and alternatively use employee counts or annual revenues in determining eligible business size. Generally, the maximum size standards are as follows:

MANUFACTURING:
Varies by industry from 500 – 1,500 employees

WHOLESALING:
Up to 100 employees

SERVICES:
Ranging from up $3.5 Million to $14.5 Million in annual revenue, depending on type of business

RETAILING:
Ranging from up $3.5 Million to $14.5 Million in annual revenue, depending on type of business

CONSTRUCTION:
From $9.5 Million to $17 Million in annual revenue, depending on specific trade