{"id":5180,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:58","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/federal-small-business-requirements.html"},"modified":"2026-06-04T17:23:00","modified_gmt":"2026-06-04T22:23:00","slug":"federal-small-business-requirements","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/federal-small-business-requirements.html","title":{"rendered":"Federal Small Business Requirements"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30  wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-section-main fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Federal Small Business Requirements<\/h1>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/amber-sheppard-esq\/\">Amber Sheppard, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/catherine-hodder-esq\/\">Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            June 04, 2026\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-editorial-note fl-text-sm\">\n            <p>Editorial Note: We earn a commission from affiliate partner links on FindLaw. Commissions do not affect the editorial integrity of our legal content.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n    <div class=\"fl-callout-text article-blockquote\">\n        <p>All start-ups must meet state and federal\u00a0business requirements\u00a0when starting a business. These requirements include business licenses, zoning permits, and other approvals to operate. Depending on the industry, a business must get special permission from a federal government agency.<\/p>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n<div><p><i><b>We make business formation EASY.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/legalzoomcominc.pxf.io\/c\/4851649\/2115288\/26746?subId1=federal-small-business-requirements-in-content\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\" data-cta=\"Biz LZ - LATL Callout\" data-cta-url=\"legalzoom.com\" target=\"_blank\">Click here to start your free LLC.<\/a><\/b><\/i><\/p>\n<h2>Forming a <span data-term-id=\"54204478\">Small Business<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Both\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/state-and-local-small-business-licenses-for-start-ups.html\">state<\/a>\u00a0and <span data-term-id=\"54204481\">federal governments<\/span> place <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-laws-and-regulations.html\">certain requirements on\u00a0<span data-term-id=\"54204478\">small businesses<\/span><\/a>. This FindLaw article will explain these requirements and answer common <span data-term-id=\"54204478\">small business<\/span> concerns.<\/p>\n<h3><span data-term-id=\"54204491\">Business Structure<\/span> and Taxes<\/h3>\n<p>One of the very first decisions for a <span data-term-id=\"54204507\">business owner<\/span> is picking a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures.html\"><span data-term-id=\"54204491\">business structure<\/span><\/a>. The type of <span data-term-id=\"54204491\">business structure<\/span> determines the amount of regulatory paperwork filed. This structure also determines the taxes paid in a <span data-term-id=\"54204500\">fiscal year<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>The different structures for <span data-term-id=\"54204478\">small businesses<\/span> include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/sole-proprietorships\/\">Sole proprietor<\/a>: Taxes paid through the personal income <span data-term-id=\"54204517\">tax return<\/span> of the owner<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/partnerships\/\">Partnership<\/a>: Taxes paid through personal income <span data-term-id=\"54204517\">tax return<\/span> of owners<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/corporations\/\">Corporation<\/a>: Taxes paid by a corporation<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/s-corp-vs--sole-proprietorship.html\">S corporation<\/a>: Taxes paid through personal income <span data-term-id=\"54204517\">tax returns<\/span>; owner paid &#8220;reasonable compensation&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/llcs\/\">Limited liability company<\/a>\u00a0(LLC): Taxes paid like a partnership for multi-member LLCs, but like a sole proprietor for a single-member LLC<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/non-profit-organizations\/\">Non-profit<\/a>: May be tax exempt<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The tax forms the <span data-term-id=\"54204484\">IRS<\/span> requires are on the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/tax\/tax-laws-forms\/irs-forms-and-publications.html\"><span data-term-id=\"54204484\">IRS<\/span> website<\/a>\u00a0or the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sba.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-term-id=\"54204510\">U.S. <\/span><span data-term-id=\"54204482\">Small Business<\/span><span data-term-id=\"54204510\"> Administration<\/span><\/a>\u00a0(<span data-term-id=\"54204479\">SBA<\/span>) site.<\/p>\n<p>The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/business-form-and-taxation-pros-and-cons.html\">tax and regulatory implications<\/a>\u00a0of the various <span data-term-id=\"54204491\">business structures<\/span> vary. A corporation has the most regulatory implications. Talk to a tax attorney or accountant before determining your structure.<\/p>\n<p>You should also consider the percentage of interest of the initial members. Companies that are majority-owned by historically underrepresented demographics may have access to certain federal grant or contract opportunities.<\/p>\n<h3>Employer Identification Numbers<\/h3>\n<p>Businesses must apply for\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-taxes\/employer-identification-number-ein-faq.html\">Employer Identification Numbers (EINs)<\/a>. Most sole proprietors with no intent to hire employees are exempt. But there are circumstances when they\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/does-a-sole-proprietorship-need-an-ein-.html\">should get one<\/a>. The <span data-term-id=\"54204484\">IRS<\/span> uses an\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-taxes\/employer-identification-number-ein-faq.html\">EIN<\/a>\u00a0to identify and track a business.<\/p>\n<p>When applying for an <a href=\"https:\/\/legalzoomcominc.pxf.io\/c\/4851649\/2115288\/26746?subId1=federal-small-business-requirements%20wct25092418494370vy6&amp;auto-aff-ein\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">EIN<\/a>, you must select a <span data-term-id=\"54204497\">North American Industry Classification System<\/span> (<span data-term-id=\"54204498\">NAICS code<\/span>). The code classifies your business activities. Government agencies track <span data-term-id=\"54204498\">NAICS codes<\/span> in government <span data-term-id=\"54204509\">procurement<\/span> contracts.<\/p>\n<p>Businesses can now\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-taxes\/getting-an-employer-identification-number-ein.html\">apply for EINs online. You get an EIN<\/a>\u00a0immediately during the application session.<\/p>\n<h3>Licenses and Permits<\/h3>\n<p>Businesses in certain industries must apply for licenses and permits to do business. Most businesses don\u2019t have to register with the <span data-term-id=\"54204481\">federal government<\/span>. These <span data-term-id=\"54204486\">federal agencies<\/span> require licenses in these industries:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Agriculture<\/strong>: The\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.usda.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">U.S. Department of Agriculture<\/a>\u00a0issues\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.aphis.usda.gov\/efile\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">permits<\/a>\u00a0for businesses involved in importing or transporting animals and agricultural products.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Alcoholic beverages<\/strong>: Manufacturers, wholesalers, importers, and retailers of alcoholic beverages must register, pay special taxes, and maintain certain records with the\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.ttb.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau<\/a>\u00a0(TTB).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Aviation<\/strong>: The\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.faa.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Federal Aviation Administration<\/a>\u00a0(FAA) issues licenses for pilots, aircraft, airports, and medical aviation services.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Environmental<\/strong>: The\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www3.epa.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Environmental Protection Agency<\/a>\u00a0(EPA) imposes environmental regulations at the federal level.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Firearms, ammunition, and explosives<\/strong>:\u00a0The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.atf.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms<\/a>\u00a0(ATF) controls manufacturers, dealers, and importers of firearms and ammunition.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Fish and wildlife<\/strong>: Businesses engaged in any wildlife activity, including importing any wildlife or their derivative products, must receive a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.fws.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service<\/a>\u00a0permit.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Investment advising<\/strong>: Professional investment counselors must have a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sec.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Securities and Exchange Commission<\/a>\u00a0(SEC) license.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Interstate ground transportation<\/strong>: If your business will cross state lines with goods, you must register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a <span data-term-id=\"54204486\">federal agency<\/span> of the Department of Transportation (DOT).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Maritime transportation<\/strong>: The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.fmc.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Federal Maritime Commission<\/a>\u00a0issues licenses for businesses transporting freight or passengers on the ocean.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Mining and drilling<\/strong>: The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.boem.gov\/about-boem\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bureau of Ocean Energy Management\u00a0<\/a>(BOEM, formerly the Minerals Management Service) manages the nation\u2019s natural gas, oil, and other mineral resources.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Radio and television broadcasting<\/strong>: If your business broadcasts information by radio, television, wire, satellite, or cable, you must get a license from the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.fcc.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Federal Communications Commission<\/a>\u00a0(FCC). The FCC doesn\u2019t regulate the internet.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Connect with a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/business-organizations\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">business lawyer<\/a>\u00a0in that federally regulated industry. They can do the licensing for you. You could also ask them to review your application.<\/p>\n<h2>What Size Is a <span data-term-id=\"54204478\">Small Business<\/span>?<\/h2>\n<p>The definition of a <span data-term-id=\"54204478\">small business<\/span> varies. It\u2019s commonly determined by <span data-term-id=\"54204496\">small business<\/span><span data-term-id=\"54204496\"> size standards<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>Here are a few ways the U.S. government has defined a <span data-term-id=\"54204478\">small business<\/span>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>Number of employees under 500<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><span data-term-id=\"54204479\">SBA<\/span>\u2019s\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sba.gov\/document\/support-table-size-standards\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">size standards<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><span data-term-id=\"54204479\">SBA<\/span>\u2019s\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sba.gov\/document\/support-table-size-standards#:~:text=Size%20standards%20are%20mostly%20based%20on%20the%20average%20annual%20receipts%20or%20the%20average%20number%20of%20employees.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">average annual receipts standard<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/business.defense.gov\/Portals\/57\/Documents\/Doing%20Business%20with%20DoD%20Aug%202021.pdf?ver=VWL1fVLmLT86QKuVCbb8OQ%3d%3d#:~:text=Current%20DoD%20Programs%20Procurement%20Opportunities%20Generally%2C%20small%20businesses,Know%20the%20Product%20Service%20contract%20with%20the%20government.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Department of Defense\u2019s definition<\/a>\u00a0of fewer than 500 employees when issuing <span data-term-id=\"54204502\">federal contracts<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The definition of <span data-term-id=\"54204478\">small business<\/span> matters for <span data-term-id=\"54204480\">government contracting<\/span> and financing with the <span data-term-id=\"54204482\">Small Business<\/span><span data-term-id=\"54204482\"> Administration<\/span> (<span data-term-id=\"54204479\">SBA<\/span>).<\/p>\n<h2>Securing Federal Financing<\/h2>\n<p>There are a few ways for a <span data-term-id=\"54204478\">small business<\/span> to secure financing at a federal level.<\/p>\n<h3><span data-term-id=\"54204479\">SBA<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Outside of traditional bank loans, the <span data-term-id=\"54204479\">SBA<\/span> offers a federal loan program. <span data-term-id=\"54204478\">Small businesses<\/span> must meet eligibility requirements. These requirements range from traditional bank loan denials to employee size.<\/p>\n<h3>Federal <span data-term-id=\"54204509\">Procurement<\/span> Contracts<\/h3>\n<p><span data-term-id=\"54204502\">Federal contracts<\/span> and <span data-term-id=\"54204480\">government contracts<\/span> are another way for a <span data-term-id=\"54204478\">small business<\/span> to make money. <span data-term-id=\"54204478\">Small business<\/span> set-asides are <span data-term-id=\"54204480\">government contracts<\/span> with <span data-term-id=\"54204478\">small businesses<\/span>. The government agencies must use a <span data-term-id=\"54204508\">system for award management<\/span>. In this system, a certain number of contracts are\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.acquisition.gov\/far\/subpart-19.5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">set aside for\u00a0<\/a><span data-term-id=\"54204478\">small businesses<\/span>. The <span data-term-id=\"54204480\">government contracts<\/span> are for goods or services.<\/p>\n<p>These contracts must be open for <span data-term-id=\"54204495\">solicitation<\/span> of bids from at least two <span data-term-id=\"54204478\">small businesses<\/span>. The legal threshold for automatic <span data-term-id=\"54204478\">small business<\/span> set-asides applies strictly to acquisitions of a minimum of $15,000 up to the Simplified Acquisition Threshold of $350,000. Each project has an assigned <span data-term-id=\"54204504\">contracting officer<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>Some funds, subcontracting work, or grant opportunities are set aside. This allows historically marginalized demographics to get <span data-term-id=\"54204502\">federal contracts<\/span>, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>Women-owned <span data-term-id=\"54204478\">small businesses<\/span> (WOSB)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Service-disabled veteran-owned <span data-term-id=\"54204478\">small businesses<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sba.gov\/federal-contracting\/contracting-assistance-programs\/hubzone-program\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Historically Underutilized Business Zone\u00a0<\/a>(HUBZone)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Small, disadvantaged businesses based on the race or ethnicity of the owner<\/p>\n<p>The HUBZone program through the <span data-term-id=\"54204510\">U.S. <\/span><span data-term-id=\"54204482\">Small Business<\/span><span data-term-id=\"54204510\"> Administration<\/span> at\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/sba.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-term-id=\"54204513\">sba<\/span><span data-term-id=\"54204513\">.gov<\/span><\/a>\u00a0requires 3% of <span data-term-id=\"54204502\">federal contract<\/span> funding to go to HUBZone businesses.<\/p>\n<p>Before submitting a government bid, make sure you have an <a href=\"https:\/\/legalzoomcominc.pxf.io\/c\/4851649\/2115288\/26746?subId1=federal-small-business-requirements%20wct250924184943ucu7a&amp;auto-aff-ein\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">EIN<\/a>. This is true even if you\u2019re doing business as another name.<\/p>\n<h2>Finding Federal Assistance Programs<\/h2>\n<p>The <span data-term-id=\"54204479\">SBA<\/span> has many <span data-term-id=\"54204478\">small business<\/span> programs and resources available for <span data-term-id=\"54204478\">small businesses<\/span> on a federal level. The <span data-term-id=\"54204479\">SBA<\/span> has a 9-year 8(a)\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sba.gov\/federal-contracting\/contracting-assistance-programs\/8a-business-development-program\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-term-id=\"54204478\">Small Business<\/span> Development Program.<\/a>\u00a0These programs\u00a0encourage business growth. It makes you eligible to apply for <span data-term-id=\"54204502\">federal contract<\/span> financing available yearly. Your local\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sba.gov\/local-assistance\/resource-partners\/small-business-development-centers-sbdc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-term-id=\"54204478\">Small Business<\/span> Development Center (SBDC)\u00a0<\/a>can connect you with a business coach and contracting programs.<\/p>\n<h2>Consult With a <span data-term-id=\"54204478\">Small Business<\/span> Lawyer<\/h2>\n<p>Contact a <span data-term-id=\"54204478\">small\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/business-commercial-law\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-term-id=\"54204478\">business<\/span> lawyer<\/a>\u00a0to help you understand federal licenses and <span data-term-id=\"54204478\">small business<\/span> contracting. You don\u2019t need a lawyer in Washington, DC. A local lawyer with experience in <span data-term-id=\"54204502\">federal contract<\/span> awards or contracting opportunities can help you.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" 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