Powered by LevrNAICS 541720: Research and development in the social sciences and humanities
NAICS 541720 is the industry code for research and development in the social sciences and humanities. Use it on loan applications, tax forms and registrations. Explore financing for professional services and start your application when you are ready.
What 541720 covers
These firms conduct research and analysis in economics, sociology, psychology, linguistics, history and other social sciences and humanities. Policy research institutes, evaluation firms and think tanks commonly use this code.
Included in this code
- Economic research
- Social and behavioral research
- Program evaluation
- Policy research institutes
- Demographic research
- Humanities research
Not this code
- Marketing research and polling: see 541910 Marketing research and public opinion polling
- Economic consulting: see 541690 Other scientific and technical consulting services
- Colleges and universities: see 611310 Colleges, universities, and professional schools
Businesses that use 541720
Financing for this trade
Research firms are funded by grants and contracts, so they finance with lines of credit or factoring against government and foundation receivables, and SBA 7(a) loans for working capital. Lenders weigh contract backlog, funder concentration and the timing of grant reimbursements.
Apply for funding with AIIs 541720 the right code for a social science research firm?
Yes, if your main work is research in the social sciences or humanities, such as economic, sociological, educational or behavioral studies and program evaluations. Policy institutes and evaluation contractors belong here. If you run consumer surveys and polls for clients, 541910 fits better. Economic consulting for litigation or business decisions often fits 541690.
What is the SBA size standard for 541720?
SBA sets the size standard for 541720 at $28 million in average annual receipts, averaged over the last five completed fiscal years and counting affiliates. Social science and humanities research firms at or under that figure qualify as small businesses for SBA 7(a) and 504 loans and for federal small business set asides. Most independent social science and humanities research firms fall well inside the limit, so size is rarely what decides an SBA application.
How do research and evaluation firms manage cash flow?
Government and foundation contracts often reimburse costs after the fact, so these firms use a business line of credit or receivables financing to cover payroll in the gap. SBA 7(a) loans support growth. Lenders look at contract backlog, the reliability of funders and how diversified the contract base is.
What does NAICS 541720 cover?
Research and development in the social sciences and humanities. Industry level code in NAICS 2022, under 54 Professional, scientific, and technical services, 541 Professional, scientific, and technical services, 5417 Scientific research and development services, 54172 Research and development in the social sciences and humanities.
What financing do NAICS 541720 businesses use?
Equipment financing, working capital, SBA loans and invoice factoring are the products placed most for professional services businesses. Start an application and the AI matches the deal to lenders that fund this code.
Where do I put NAICS 541720?
On the SBA loan application, on federal Schedule C or Form 1120, on SAM.gov and state registrations, and on most lender applications. A business can report more than one code; use this one if it describes what produces most of your revenue.