NORTH ANDOVER — A group of local businesspeople is going to extremes to help their comrades in these difficult economic times.
For the next week, people can still apply to take advantage of an offer by a team of experts to have their businesses revamped — from top to bottom — for free.
The Extreme Business Makeover New England, launched over the summer, aims to help a local business buffeted by the ill winds of the recession by giving them a free tune-up of sorts, looking at all aspects of the business, including sales, cash flow, operations, training, marketing and more.
The team of experts will then recommend a course of action for the business to help it become more profitable. The deadline for applications is Oct. 25.
Interest in the Extreme Makeover has been extremely strong, according to one of the leaders of the project, Carter Welch, president of the Fig Tree Group, a marketing firm based in Andover.
"In just a couple of months, 1,000 people have visited the site to learn about the makeover and dozens of companies have applied for their own Extreme Business Makeover," he said. "These businesses run the gamut of industry in the Merrimack Valley, including manufacturers, high-tech companies, restaurants, landscapers, entertainment companies, service providers, non-profits, and small business owners.
"These owners are simply looking for ways to elevate their business. In this economic storm, they are seeking ways to rise above others."
While many business owners have applied for the makeover, only one will be chosen by the end of this month, Welch said. But those businesses that did apply and have shown interest will still benefit from the team's expertise.
The Eagle-Tribune, in conjunction with the Extreme Business Makeover team, has decided to host a free, two-hour workshop for all of the people who applied, but are not selected.
The free workshop will be titled: "25 Powerful Ideas to Grow Your Business: Sales, Profit, Market Share, and Operations." It has not yet been scheduled.
To learn more or to apply for the makeover before applications close next week, visit www.extremebusinessmakeoverne.com
