Enterprise Center Accepting Registrations For "Next Level" Programs

North Shore small business resource is not just for start-ups

SALEM, Mass., Sept. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Some of the Enterprise Center's most popular initiatives are targeted to existing businesses with up to $25 million in annual revenues, and now is the time to explore these Next Level Initiatives. The window for registration closes soon. 

This fall the Center will offer an expanded roster of CEO groups, plus two yearlong, multi-dimensional programs for CEOs seeking to grow their company. A free introductory session for the latter is scheduled for Thursday, September 27^th at 4 p.m. at the Enterprise Center. You can also learn more or register online at www.enterprisectr.org.

The Enterprise Center Accelerator Program or ECAP is now beginning its third year. Originally called The Rapid Growth Project, ECAP is targeted to CEOs of companies with more than $1 million in annual revenues and an actual or anticipated annual growth rate of at least 10 percent.

Has it been successful? Ask Rob Olney, President of ETM Manufacturing Company. "The growth initiative has helped us retain existing, very profitable customers and minimize or eliminate unprofitable ones. It also helped me learn that we can grow in a smarter way that improves productivity. Over the past year our productivity increased 97.8 percent."

In fact, ECAP's success led to a new program, Ramp Up Now (RUN), which was developed in response to requests for a similar program for smaller companies. Both ECAP and RUN include seminars focused on growth-company issues, CEO groups and a personal mentor for each participant. Both programs center on developing and implementing a three-year action plan. The fee for RUN is $1,000; for ECAP it's $1,800.

If neither of those programs is right for you, check out the Center's CEO groups. Here business owners/CEOs meet monthly to discuss challenges they're facing, set and stay on track with their goals, and seek advice of others, peers who share and understand their concerns. 

"The CEO group functions as an expert panel, board of directors and support group rolled into one. And we hold each other accountable to deliver on our goals. The insights and resources I've gained have helped my company tremendously," commented Jane Bright, CEO of Brightworks, a comprehensive website development company.

All groups are facilitated and confidential, enabling participants to speak freely. Each group has seven to 10 non-competing business owners and meets for an entire year. The cost ranges from $350 to $850.  Start dates for the various groups are posted at www.enterprisectr.org.

Currently registration is open for three types of groups: Emerging Groups (less than three years old) and Established Groups (more than three years old) are targeted to businesses with less than $1 million in annual revenues. Million Dollar CEO Groups welcome those with annual revenues of $1 to 25 million.  Once groups form, registration is closed for the year. There is also an Executive Directors Group for the heads of nonprofits, which runs from January to January.

The Enterprise Center at Salem State University arms business owners with the knowledge and skills to start their business, grow, and succeed. We are located at 121 Loring Avenue, Salem, MA  01970. Phone 978-542-7528, www.enterprisectr.org.

SOURCE Enterprise Center at Salem State University