What is a Small Business?

The Small Business Administration's (SBA) Office of Advocacy defines a small business for research purposes as an independent business having fewer than 500 employees. Firms wishing to be designated small businesses for government programs such as contracting must meet size standards specified by the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Size Standards. These standards vary by industry.

See:

http://www.sba.gov/contractingopportunities/officials/size/index.html