SmallBusinessNewz

As more money rolled into those energy industries, it may have driven an unintentional side effect. Though the businesses concerned delivered the same commodity quantities, higher prices triggered by higher costs expanded some beyond the score of what the Small Business Administration considers a small enterprise.

"In addition to the rule changes for the Heating Oil and Liquefied Petroleum Gas Dealers industries, the SBA has finalized the December 2005 Interim final rule that amended monetary-based small business size standards for inflation," the SBA said in a statement.

"We made these changes to the size standards to help small businesses reduce the impact of volatility in heating oil prices and ensure their continued eligibility to receive help from SBA's financial and contracting assistance programs," said SBA Acting Administrator Jovita Carranza.

The change will correct the possibility of higher registration fees for such businesses related to their transportation of hazardous products; those fees go to the Department of Transportation. The SBA's Final Rule for the industries takes effect on August 21.