The Small Business Administration has established size standards for most industries. The different characteristics that determine what is and is not a small business are under constant review, in part because bona fide small businesses are eligible for substantial local and federal funds, advice, and other support.

The most common size standards included:

<500 employees for most manufacturing and mining industries
<100 employees for all wholesale trade industries
<$5 million for most retail and service industries
<$17 million for most general & heavy construction industries
<$7 million for all special trade contractors
<$0.5 million for most agricultural industries

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