Small Biz Gets Extra Time to Comment on Size Standards
Published Date: 9/24/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Small Business Administration is giving small businesses more time to share their thoughts on new rules about what counts as a 'small business.' The comment period is extended by 60 days, now ending November 20, 2026. This helps businesses understand and possibly benefit from updated size standards that could affect their eligibility for government programs and contracts.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Proposed Size Standards for 338 Industries
In its notice of proposed rulemaking (91 FR 53741) published August 20, 2026, SBA proposed new size standards for 338 industry groups and industries; comments on those proposals must be received by November 20, 2026.
Comment Period Extended 60 Days
The Small Business Administration extended the public comment period by 60 days. The original comment deadline of September 21, 2026 was extended so comments are now due on November 20, 2026.
Revised Methodology Published for Comment
SBA published a Revised Size Standards Methodology (Federal Register citation 91 FR 54096) that updates the white paper explaining how SBA establishes, reviews, and modifies size standards. The revised methodology is open for comment with the extended deadline of November 20, 2026.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2025-02741, HUBZone Program Updates and Clarifications, and Clarifications to Other Small Business Programs; Correction
The SBA fixed some small but important mistakes in its recent HUBZone and small business program rules to make things clearer and fairer. These corrections affect small businesses using HUBZone and other SBA programs, especially around size protests and financial reporting. The fixes take effect on February 18, 2025, helping businesses avoid confusion and unnecessary paperwork.
2026-19565, Aldine Capital Fund II, LP; Surrender of License of Small Business Investment Company
Aldine Capital Fund II, LP has officially given up its license to operate as a Small Business Investment Company. This means they won’t be making new investments under this program anymore. The change is effective immediately, so small businesses looking for funding from Aldine under this license will need to look elsewhere.
2026-19601, Presidential Declaration of a Major Disaster for Public Assistance Only for the Commonwealth of Kentucky
Kentucky got a major disaster declaration after severe storms and flooding hit from June 26-30, 2026. This means public assistance loans are now available to help affected counties and nonprofit groups recover. If you need help, apply by November 1, 2026 for physical damage loans or by June 1, 2027 for economic injury loans—money and support are ready to roll!
2026-19567, Administrative Declaration of an Economic Injury Disaster for the State of Maryland
Maryland small businesses and nonprofits near Anne Arundel and nearby counties can now apply for special low-interest disaster loans because of the Empire Tower incident starting July 9, 2026. These loans help cover economic losses and must be applied for by June 21, 2027. This is a big financial boost to help local businesses bounce back stronger and faster!
2026-19599, Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program
The Small Business Administration fixed a mistake in a recent notice about a program that checks benefit records against the Treasury’s Do Not Pay list to stop improper payments. This update adds missing details about the privacy rules protecting your info. If you’re involved with SBA benefits, this means better accuracy and privacy safeguards starting now, with no new costs announced.
2026-19426, Administrative Declaration of an Economic Injury Disaster for the State of California
California businesses in Los Angeles and nearby counties hit by the May 2026 Plains Oil Spill can now apply for special low-interest disaster loans to help recover from economic damage. These loans offer rates as low as 3.625% and applications are open until June 21, 2027. If your business or nonprofit struggled because of the spill, this is your chance to get financial help and bounce back stronger!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-19535, Request for Information; Medicare Part D Reasonable and Relevant Pharmacy Contracting Standards
Medicare Part D is asking for ideas on fair and clear rules for pharmacy contracts starting in 2029. This means pharmacies that meet these new standards can join Medicare’s network, helping more people get their prescriptions easily. If you have thoughts, speak up by November 23, 2026, so your voice shapes the future of pharmacy deals and patient care!
Next: 2026-19561, Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes
The FAA is updating safety rules for certain Bombardier BD-700-2A12 airplanes by adding new maintenance and inspection steps to keep flights safe. This change means owners and operators will have to follow extra checks, and the FAA wants feedback by October 26, 2026. While this adds some work, it helps prevent problems and keeps everyone flying smoothly.