99 -- The US Small Business Administration (SBA) proposes to increase the size standard for all travel agencies. SBA issued the proposed rule on March 15, 2002.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has proposed a rule to increase the size standard for Travel Agencies, classified under NAICS code 561510, raising the threshold from $1 million to $3 million in commissions and fees. This adjustment aims to more accurately categorize businesses that qualify as small within this sector for participation in federal small business assistance programs. The change reflects the SBA’s intent to support a broader range of travel agencies by recognizing a higher revenue limit as the benchmark for small business status. This proposed rule was published alongside an interim final rule that makes the size standard change immediately effective for the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, particularly in response to the impacts of the September 11, 2001 attacks in New York and Arlington, Virginia. The SBA is seeking public comments on this proposal, with a submission deadline of April 15, 2002. This update is part of the SBA’s ongoing effort to ensure that federal support and relief programs accurately reflect the evolving landscape of small businesses in the travel industry.