News

Alexander Johnstone – Founder & CEO of The World Advisory Company

Alexander H. Johnstone founded The World Advisory Company a little over a year ago in an effort to help small businesses struggling in the economic recession. The company has since grown into one of the leading consulting firms for small businesses in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, having worked with over 100 businesses.

The company serves as a management consulting firm for small businesses and provides assistance in a variety of ways to help them grow and succeed.
“The mission of The World Advisory Company is to help small businesses thrive and reach their full potential. We achieve this through a variety of methods. Whether we are helping a business owner narrow the focus of their overall strategy or helping them embrace the internet as part of their marketing efforts, we are here for them every step of the way. We aim to provide support for almost any issue a business owner faces” Mr. Johnstone said.
In addition to consulting, the firm also publishes an online magazine called Small Business View and hosts educational and networking events. The publication provides news, tips, interviews and more for small business owners in the national capital region. The next event, the 2011 Small Business Expo of Washington, DC is on May 18. The expo, a daylong event that will include the small business community, guest speakers, awards, prizes, networking and “plenty of promotion” (according to Mr. Johnstone) will be held at the Crowne Plaza in Rockville, MD.
Mr. Johnstone said his vision is for The World Advisory Company to live up to its name. He plans make a name for the firm in the Washington, D.C. area, and then expand to any location where people are free to start and run their own businesses.
For more information about Alexander Johnstone and his firm, please visit http://www.worldadvisorycompany.com/

SBA Announces New Upcoming Business Loan Programs

This spring the Small Business Administration will introduce two new SBA loan programs that will provide capital to underserved entrepreneurs directly through nonprofit microfinance organizations.

The Community Advantage and Small Loan Advantage programs are both a simpler and easier way for lenders to make smaller-dollar loans and get a full SBA guarantee of up to 85 percent.

They are open to borrowers who would regularly qualify for an SBA loan. There are no geographical restrictions, but the loan must be $250,000 or less.

The Small Loan Advantage will be available through 630 lenders including the largest banks as well as regional banks.

Interest rates vary by the size of the loan, but generally they will be around prime plus 2.75 percent.

The same process will be used for the Community Advantage program, but loans will be provided by “mission lenders,” who are primarily not-for-profits engaged in community economic development. These mission lenders will reach out to entrepreneurs lacking collateral and be able to fund them based on cash-flow.

If you are interested in learning more about loan programs and obtaining funding for your business, you can contact a professional consultant with The World Advisory Company.