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NAICS 541820, industry

NAICS 541820: Public relations agencies

NAICS 541820 is the industry code for public relations agencies. Use it on loan applications, tax forms and registrations. Explore financing for professional services and start your application when you are ready.

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What 541820 covers

PR agencies design and run public relations programs for clients: media relations, press releases, crisis communications, reputation management, investor and community relations. They earn fees for managing how a client is presented to the public.

Included in this code

  • Media relations
  • Press release and publicity services
  • Crisis communications
  • Reputation management
  • Investor relations communications
  • Community and public affairs relations

Not this code

Businesses that use 541820

PR agencyCrisis communications firmTech PR boutique

Financing for this trade

PR firms finance with lines of credit or factoring to cover payroll while clients pay retainers on terms, plus SBA 7(a) loans for growth and acquisitions. Lenders look at monthly retainer contracts, client churn and concentration.

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Is 541820 the right code for a public relations firm?

Yes, if you plan and run publicity, media relations and reputation programs for clients. PR agencies, crisis communications firms and investor relations communications shops fit here. Lobbying firms also use 541820. If your work is creating and placing paid ads, 541810 fits better. Marketing strategy advisors use 541613.

What is the SBA size standard for 541820?

SBA sets the size standard for 541820 at $19 million in average annual receipts, averaged over the last five completed fiscal years and counting affiliates. Public relations agencies 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 public relations agencies fall well inside the limit, so size is rarely what decides an SBA application.

What financing do PR agencies use?

PR agencies usually rely on a line of credit sized to retainer revenue, invoice factoring for slow paying corporate clients, and SBA 7(a) loans for hiring or buying another firm. Lenders look for signed monthly retainers, low client churn and a spread of accounts.

What does NAICS 541820 cover?

Public relations agencies. Industry level code in NAICS 2022, under 54 Professional, scientific, and technical services, 541 Professional, scientific, and technical services, 5418 Advertising, public relations, and related services, 54182 Public relations agencies.

What financing do NAICS 541820 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 541820?

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.