Skip to content

Business Types Data Dictionary

This document describes the fields available in the Business Types API endpoints (/api/business_types/). For filtering, ordering, and pagination, see the Business Types API Reference.

Overview

Business types are SAM.gov codes that classify entities (e.g., small business, 8(a), HUBZone). Each type has a code and name. Data is sourced from SAM.gov.

Note: This endpoint supports response shaping via the shape query parameter. Default shape: name,code.

Update Frequency

Business type reference data is updated when SAM.gov reference data is refreshed (periodic).

Fields

Field Type Description Source
code String SAM code for the business type (e.g., 2-character). SAM.gov
name String Human-readable business type name. SAM.gov
certifier String Certifier for the business type (e.g., SBA). SAM.gov

Value formats and common values

  • code: 2-character alphanumeric, typically uppercase (examples: A6, JT, XX, 2R). This is what entities store in business_types.
  • certifier: Who “owns” / attests the classification. In practice you’ll see a small set of values:
  • SBA: SBA-certified programs (e.g., 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB variants).
  • AbilityOne: AbilityOne nonprofit agency classification.
  • Government: Government-entity classifications (federal/state/local/tribal/foreign).
  • Self: Self-reported classifications in SAM (ownership/demographic/org-type, etc.).

If you need the full canonical list in one place, the /api/business_types/ endpoint is the source of truth.

Data Sources

  • SAM.gov – Business type codes and names.

Usage Notes

Report an issue with this page