Where can I get list of business categories?

Question

I want to create a list of business categories and sub-categories that are most common/standard. For example:
Restaurant --> American --> Steak House ...
or
Business Services --> Consulting --> Management Consulting...

I've seen many sites that categorize businesses this way (e.g. yellowpages.com or yahoo.com)

I'm hoping there is some standard categorization with tools for importing/creating them in some common databases.
Thanks!

Answer 1

Search for a list of SIC code descriptions.

Here's one:

http://www.osha.gov/pls/imis/sic_manual.html

The SIC codes are a standard way of classifying businesses.

Answer 2

There IS NO standard. Pick any 2 phone boos and you will find 2 different lists.

Answer 3

For startups and new businesses, I would recommend

http://www.angelbusinessloans.com