NAICS Codes Explained: How Your 6-Digit Industry Code Decides Your SBA Size Standard
Your NAICS code picks the SBA size standard you are judged against — wrong code, wrong yardstick, lost loans and set-asides.
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SBA loan programs, applications, and small business resources
SBA Microloans, Explained: How to Borrow Up to $50,000 When Banks Say Your Loan Is Too Small
SBA Microloans lend up to $50,000 through nonprofit intermediaries at 8–13% — the average loan is about $13,000, and free business coaching comes with it.
The Rule of Two and Sole-Source Thresholds, Explained: How Contracting Officers Choose Between a Set-Aside and a Direct Award
When two responsible small firms can perform at a fair price, the contract is set aside; certified firms can win direct awards up to $5.5M.
SBA Export Loans Explained: Export Express, Export Working Capital, and International Trade Loans
Export Express lends to $500,000, EWCP and International Trade Loans to $5 million — all with a 90% SBA guaranty. Match the program to your order.
Teaming Agreements vs. Joint Ventures vs. Mentor-Protege: How Small Businesses Chase Federal Set-Asides Together Without Triggering Affiliation
Teaming agreements give zero affiliation shelter; small-business JVs exempt members; only a mentor-protege JV lets a large firm bid as small.
Market Research on a Small Business Budget: Find Your Customers and Outflank Competitors Before You Write Your Plan
42% of failed startups cite no market need. Use free Census and SBA data to size demand, map competitors, and pick the right business plan.
SBA SOP 50 10 8.1 Takes Effect October 1: What the New Change-of-Ownership Rules Mean for Buyers and Sellers
SBA SOP 50 10 8.1 raises acquisition DSCR to 1.25x on historical cash flow, mandates QoE at $3M+, and caps minority equity—effective October 1, 2026.
The SBA's 2026 SBIC Overhaul: A New Funding Lane Beyond Banks and Venture Capital
The SBA's SBIC rule effective February 2, 2026 opens a $53B program to manufacturers and suppliers — debt from $250K to $10M at 9–16%, equity from $100K to $5M.
September 30 Is Coming: How Small Contractors Can Win a Share of the Federal Q4 Spending Sprint
Agencies obligate 30–40% of annual contract dollars in Q4, peaking in September — how a small firm gets SAM-ready and quotes fast enough to win a share.
License and Permit Bonds Are Not Contract Bonds: What License Bonds Cost, How Claims Work, and Why Your Bid Bond Won't Satisfy the Board
A US contractor license bond protects the public and costs 1–3% a year; a bid bond protects one project owner and will never satisfy a state licensing board.
SBA Express Loans, Explained: $500,000 With a 36-Hour SBA Turnaround
SBA Express lends up to $500,000 with a 36-hour SBA response and a 50% guarantee — faster than standard 7(a), but lenders set a higher credit bar.
SBA International Trade Loans Now Carry a 90% Guarantee: What the 2026 Expansion Means for Your Business
The SBA's May 2026 expansion gives International Trade Loans a 90% guarantee and deems all manufacturing plus food supply chain NAICS codes import-injured.