About WBI

A regional catalyst for economic growth.

The Wachusett Business Incubator (WBI) operates under the Greater Gardner Business Incubator Network, Inc. — a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 2014 — empowering founders across 40 cities and towns.

Magnus Carlberg, Executive Director of the Wachusett Business Incubator, recording a podcast — Magnus Carlberg — Executive Director, Wachusett Business Incubator

Our story

From a small room in Gardner to a regional network of founders.

In 2011, a group of visionary business leaders met with Representative Jon Zlotnik with a shared goal: foster entrepreneurship and economic growth in North Central Massachusetts.

Their efforts laid the foundation for the Greater Gardner Business Incubator Network, Inc. — a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, officially established in 2014.

Today, WBI is led by Magnus Carlberg, Executive Director — a champion for the entrepreneurs who walk through our doors. Magnus and the team guide founders through our process, the services we provide, and our collaborations across the region — including upcoming fall programming and an AI symposium.

The result: a dynamic catalyst for regional economic development — empowering individuals and businesses to succeed and thrive.

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History

Where WBI began.

The Wachusett Business Incubator (WBI) is the product of years of collaboration and planning by a committed group of leaders, entrepreneurs, and advisors from Greater North Central Massachusetts. Their shared vision to foster innovation and support local business growth led to the creation of the Greater Gardner Business Incubator Network, Inc., officially incorporated in 2014 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Today, we operate as the Wachusett Business Incubator.

In 2021, WBI's Board of Directors began a strategic planning initiative — supported by a state grant — to shape a refreshed vision for the future. Our team now provides technical assistance and business planning services to entrepreneurs across the region.

We are actively pursuing additional funding to expand our impact and enhance our services for the local business community.

Our Mission

To empower underrepresented entrepreneurs by providing affordable resources, expert guidance, and a supportive space where their business ideas can take root and thrive.

Who We Help

Our incubator is built for ambitious entrepreneurs and small business owners ready to take action.

Watch

What is WBI?

Hear directly from our team about what the Wachusett Business Incubator does and who we serve.

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What we believe

Community-first

Programs designed with and for the people we serve.

Free & accessible

Our resources cost nothing — opportunity shouldn't have a price tag.

Practical mentorship

Real operators, not theory. We've built businesses here too.

Long horizon

Founded 2014. We're here for decades, not quarters.

Leadership

Board of Directors

A volunteer board of regional leaders, educators, and operators guiding WBI's mission.

Magnus Carlberg

Executive Director

Wachusett Business Incubator

Magnus served the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Division of Insurance for 4 years, including 2 as Director of Producer Licensing. Earlier he worked at several technology startups, was a Director at Staples Corporation, and owned Heritage Insurance for more than twenty years. An active board member of the Gardner Redevelopment Authority and Gardner Industrial Development Finance Authority, Magnus lives in Gardner with his wife Lina; both of his grown children are entrepreneurs.

Michael T. Greenwood, PhD.

President

Chair, Business Administration — Fitchburg State University

Dr. Mike Greenwood is a seasoned business leader with over 30 years of experience helping organizations build high-performance teams. A tenured professor and Chair of the Business Department at Fitchburg State University, he previously led global marketing for IBM across the Nordic region and held executive roles at venture-backed startups and ACNielsen.

John Lohmann

Vice President

Professor — Fitchburg State University

An accomplished interdisciplinary professional with over three decades of experience spanning law, government, business, and education. A licensed attorney for 32 years, John is a tenured professor at Fitchburg State University focusing on entrepreneurship and small business development.

Sandie Cataldo

Treasurer

Manager of Economic Development — North Central MA Development Corporation

Sandie partners with nonprofits, state agencies, banks, credit unions, and small businesses to strengthen regional economic development. Previously Business Development Coordinator for the City of Leominster for nine years, she serves on several economic development advisory committees.

Rebecca Marois

Clerk

Executive Director — Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce

President and CEO of the Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce since December 2022. A former owner of a graphic design and marketing business, Rebecca is a passionate advocate for local business growth and community development.

Christal Brown

Board Member

VP / Director of Marketing — GFA Federal Credit Union

With over a decade of experience in strategic marketing leadership, Christal forges local partnerships and leads financial literacy efforts across Central Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire. She holds an MBA from Southern New Hampshire University and a BBA from UMass Amherst.

Cheryl Gaudreau

Board Member

Senior V.P. — Enterprise Bank and Trust

Regional Business Advisor and S.V.P at Enterprise Bank with over 20 years in banking. Cheryl specializes in relationship building, helping businesses solve challenges and connecting them with community resources to grow.

Melissa Fetterhoff

Board Member

President/CEO — Nashoba Valley Chamber of Commerce

Over 20 years at the Nashoba Valley Chamber working with hundreds of businesses, legislators, and regional leaders. Recipient of the 2022 NEACCE CEO of the Year award and a 2007 Worcester Business Journal 40 Under 40.

Kevin Tomasetti

Board Member

Vice President of Manufacturing — Advanced Cable Ties, Inc.

Vice President of Manufacturing at Advanced Cable Ties, Inc., bringing operational and manufacturing leadership to the WBI board.

James Vander Hooven, Ed.D.

Ex-Officio

President — Mount Wachusett Community College

President of Mount Wachusett Community College, committed to access and opportunity in higher education. Previously VP for Enrollment Management at Landmark College and president of Tohono O'odham Community College.

Reach

Our service area.

WBI serves entrepreneurs and small businesses across 40 cities and towns throughout North Central Massachusetts — partnering with municipalities, chambers, and educational institutions across the region.

Explore cities & towns

Map of Massachusetts counties served by the Wachusett Business Incubator

Want to support our mission?

We're a nonprofit — donations, partnerships, and volunteer mentors keep our programs free for the community.

Get in touch