The SBA defines a business concern as one that is organized for profit; has a place of business in the U.S.; operates primarily within the U.S. or makes a significant contribution to the U.S. economy through payment of taxes or use of American products, materials or labor; is independently owned and operated; and is not dominant in its field on a national basis. The business may be a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or any other legal form.

SBA has established numerical definitions, or "size standards," for all for-profit industries.  Size standards represent the largest size that a business (including its subsidiaries and affiliates) may be to remain classified as a small business concern.  These size standards apply to SBA’s financial assistance and to its other programs, as well as to Federal government procurement programs when there is a benefit available to qualifying as a small business concern.  Also, the Small Business Act states that unless specifically authorized by statute, no Federal department or agency may prescribe a size standard for categorizing a business concern as a small business concern, unless such proposed size standard meets certain criteria and is approved by the Administrator of SBA. 

• Size Standards Methodology
• Small Business Size Regulations
• Table of Size Standards
• Summary of Size Standards by Industry
• Guide to Size Standards
• Size Protests, Size Determinations, and Appeals
• Revision of Size Standards
• Use of Size Standards for Government Procurement
• Businesses Determined Other Than Small
• Small Business Competitiveness Demonstration Program - PROGRAM REPEALED
• FAQ
• What's New