Radio Archive

The WBI Business Beat Radio Archive

Welcome to the WBI Business Beat radio archive—your front-row seat to the conversations shaping North Central Massachusetts’ entrepreneurial scene.

Each month, we go live on The K-Zone WPKZ 105.3FM/AM1280 with founders, professionals, educators, and changemakers who share their real-world insight, resources, and stories. Whether you're launching your first business or leveling up your current venture, our episodes offer practical tools, local connections, and the inspiration to build boldly.

Browse past episodes, meet our expert guests, and explore topics like startup funding, marketing on a micro budget, legal readiness, and more—all grounded in the supportive, hands-on approach WBI is known for.

Tune in, take notes, and take action. Your business journey starts here.

Our Most Recent Show

Past Shows

A vintage-style microphone on a stand against a blue background.

  • Aired on The K-Zone WPKZ 105.3FM/AM1280 – April 6, 2026

    This week’s WBI Business Beat marked a special milestone—celebrating one year on the air—while delivering a practical and inspiring conversation on how small businesses can grow smarter, not just bigger.

    Magnus Carlberg, Executive Director of the Wachusett Business Incubator, was joined by co-host Dr. Michael Greenwood for a deep dive into one of the most common challenges entrepreneurs face: how to get more customers without spending more money.

    The episode focused on practical, real-world strategies that business owners can implement immediately—especially those operating with limited budgets or just getting started.

    Featured Guest – Shayna Cunningham

    The show also welcomed Shayna Cunningham, a life coach and recovery advocate whose work centers on helping individuals move from feeling stuck to building a clear and meaningful path forward.

    Shayna shared her personal journey and how it led her to create a coaching practice rooted in lived experience, resilience, and belief in possibility. Her approach focuses on guiding clients through clarity, goal setting, and mindset shifts—often serving as a supportive sounding board to help people unlock answers they already have within themselves.

    In addition to her coaching work, Shayna is actively involved in community initiatives in Winchendon, including Parks & Recreation and the Hub (formerly the Winchendon Community Action Committee), where she helps create opportunities for connection, growth, and empowerment.

    Key Takeaways from the Episode

    Throughout the discussion, Magnus and Dr. Greenwood explored actionable strategies for business growth, including:

    • Leverage existing customers – The easiest sale is often to someone who already knows and trusts you

    • Build referral systems – Referrals aren’t luck; they come from consistently asking and creating structure

    • Stay visible without overspending – Consistent presence, especially on platforms like Facebook, keeps your business top of mind

    • Make it easy to buy – Clear pricing, simple processes, and user-friendly systems reduce friction

    • Respond quickly to leads – Speed and responsiveness often win over perfection

    • Focus on relationships, not transactions – Long-term customer value comes from ongoing engagement

    Shayna added a powerful personal development perspective, emphasizing:

    • The importance of overcoming fear and taking the first step

    • How feeling “stuck” often signals readiness for growth

    • The role of self-awareness in breaking negative thought patterns

    • Why recovery, rebuilding, and starting over can be powerful opportunities

    The Bigger Picture

    This episode blended business strategy with personal growth, highlighting how mindset, communication, and consistency all play critical roles in success. Whether building a company or rebuilding confidence, the message was clear: progress comes from action, clarity, and connection.

    Celebrating one year on air, WBI Business Beat continues to spotlight local voices, practical insights, and the resources available to help entrepreneurs move forward with confidence.

    This episode reinforces that small, smart changes—especially around customer relationships and responsiveness—can have a major impact on business growth, without requiring a bigger budget.

    Catch the full episode here:

    https://shorturl.at/lGHFX

  • Aired on The K-Zone WPKZ 105.3FM/AM1280 – Monday, October 06, 2025

    More information coming soon!

    Catch the full episode here:

    10-6-25 WBI Business Beat

  • Aired on The K-Zone WPKZ 105.3FM/AM1280 – Monday, August 04, 2025

    Dreaming big is one thing and achieving it is another. In this week’s WBI Business Beat, we dove deep into the art and science of setting goals you’ll actually reach. From sharpening your focus with SMART Goals to building in accountability and motivation, this episode is packed with strategies you can put into play today.

    Magnus, Executive Director of the Wachusett Business Incubator, was joined by an inspiring panel:

    • Dr. Michael Greenwood – Business Chair and leadership mentor

    • Sandie Cataldo – Member of Economic Development Coordinator and small business champion

    • Kat Deal – Social Media and Graphic Designer

    Together, they explored:

    • Why your goals should always be visible in your space

    • How quarterly, time-bound goals keep you moving forward

    • Giving your goals meaning and connecting them to your why

    • Accountability hacks: from goal buddies to sharing your progress publicly

    • The importance of reassessing and adjusting your goals over time

    • Blocking out time on your calendar for your priorities

    • Using affirmations to keep momentum high

    Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

    What’s Happening at WBI:
    Check out our upcoming classes, workshops, and networking events to help you take your goals from paper to reality.
    View our events calendar here

    Catch the full episode here:
    https://soundcloud.com/kzoneradio/08-04-25-wbi-business-beat

    Whether you’re launching a business, leveling up a career, or chasing a personal milestone, this episode is your blueprint for setting goals that stick and achieving more than you thought possible.

  • Aired on The K-Zone WPKZ 105.3FM/AM1280 – Monday, May 4, 2026

    This week’s WBI Business Beat highlighted two local wellness entrepreneurs who are helping people and organizations build healthier, more balanced lives.

    Magnus Carlberg, Executive Director of the Wachusett Business Incubator, was joined by Karen Rocheleau of Grace Wellness and Colleen MacDonald of Airmid Vibrations for a conversation about wellness, entrepreneurship, and the growing need for practical support in both personal and professional life.

    Karen Rocheleau – Grace Wellness
    Karen is a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach who helps individuals create sustainable habits for a healthier, more balanced life. Through Grace Wellness, she supports clients with goal setting, accountability, stress management, lifestyle changes, confidence, work-life balance, and overall wellness. Her approach focuses on helping people move from feeling stuck or overwhelmed to feeling stronger, clearer, and more hopeful about their future.

     Phone: (978) 790-6848
     Website: https://gracewellnesscares.com/

    Colleen MacDonald – Airmid Vibrations
    Colleen is the founder of Airmid Vibrations, a Gardner-based wellness business offering sound healing, Reiki, aromatherapy, flower essences, herbal guidance, life coaching, and corporate wellness programs. Her work is designed to support stress recovery, relaxation, nervous system balance, and leadership performance. Airmid Vibrations provides both one-on-one sessions and wellness experiences for individuals and organizations looking to restore calm, clarity, and connection.

     Phone: (978) 277-1913
     Website: https://airmidvibrations.com/

    During the episode, Karen and Colleen shared how their businesses help people slow down, reset, and take meaningful steps toward better health and well-being. The conversation explored the connection between wellness and entrepreneurship, including how stress, communication, focus, and self-care all play a role in personal success and business growth.

    Together, they discussed:

    • How wellness coaching can help people build sustainable habits

    • The role of sound healing and holistic practices in reducing stress

    • Why small business owners need support systems, not just strategies

    • How personal wellness can improve leadership, communication, and decision-making

    • The importance of local business connections and community-based services

    • How entrepreneurs can turn personal passion into meaningful work that serves others

    This episode shines a light on two local businesses making a positive impact in the Greater Gardner community by helping people feel more grounded, supported, and ready to move forward.

    catch the full episode here:

    https://on.soundcloud.com/myAkAnW2IeKHxhP6an

  • WBI Business Beat was live on The K-Zone WPKZ 105.3FM/AM1280 this past Monday, July 7, and it was a powerhouse episode you won’t want to miss!

    Magnus, Executive Director of the Wachusett Business Incubator, was joined by a panel of insightful guests: Dr. Michael Greenwood and John Lohmann, professors at Fitchburg State University; Robin Szymakowski, executive coach and founder of RS Coaching; and Colleen MacDonald, founder of Ceridwen Consulting LLC. Together, they engaged in a thoughtful and wide-ranging discussion around business, education, and professional growth—sharing ideas, experiences, and inspiration for local entrepreneurs and changemakers.

    Catch the full episode here:
    https://soundcloud.com/kzoneradio/07-07-25-wbi-business-beat

    We are grateful to The K-Zone WPKZ for welcoming us on their show and providing a platform to support local innovation and dialogue in North Central Massachusetts.

  • WBI Business Beat – "Marketing on a Micro Budget"
    Aired on The K-Zone WPKZ 105.3FM/AM1280 – Monday, June 02, 2025

    Think you need a massive ad budget to get attention for your business? Think again.

    This week on WBI Business Beat, we welcomed back our insightful Business Panel for a down-to-earth discussion on how to make a big impact with small dollars. Whether you’re a solo founder, nonprofit, or startup in launch mode, this episode is packed with practical ideas you can implement right away—no agency required.

    Magnus, Executive Director of the Wachusett Business Incubator, hosted a powerhouse group:

    • Dr. Michael Greenwood – Business Professor at Fitchburg State University

    • Nicole Conroy – Director at MyTURN, Inc., helping youth and young adults shape their future through workforce and life skills development

    • LeeAnn Breau – Founder of Plant A Garden

      Phone: (978) 939-3495 | E-mail: PlantAGarden123@outlook.com

    Together, they shared:

    • Free and low-cost tools for branding and content

    • Creative ways to leverage social media without paying for ads

    • How to tell your story and connect with your ideal audience

    • Mistakes to avoid when money is tight

    • Success stories from nonprofits and startups that made it work

    Catch the full episode here:
    https://soundcloud.com/kzoneradio/06-02-25-wbi-business-beat

    Real-World Micro-Budget Marketing Tips From the Panel:

    • “Bring your business card everywhere, you never know who you’ll meet”

    • “Repurpose everything. One blog post can become five social media reels.”

    • “Consistency beats perfection. Just show up, even if it's not polished.”

    Recommended Resources:

    We’re grateful to The K-Zone WPKZ for continuing to support entrepreneurial education and community connection across North Central Massachusetts.

    Want to join the conversation or be featured? Reach out at mcarlberg@wachusettincubator.com

    Stay tuned—and market smart, not hard.

  • WBI Business Beat – "Turning Your Side-Hustle into a Full-Time Business"
    Aired on The K-Zone WPKZ 105.3FM/AM1280 – Monday, May 05, 2025

    Are you dreaming about leaving your 9-to-5 and going all-in on your passion project? This week’s episode of WBI Business Beat is a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs, creatives, and side-hustlers ready to make the leap.

    Magnus, Executive Director of the Wachusett Business Incubator, sat down with special guests, Joshua Caron, founder of Garbage Gurus and Dr. Michael Greenwood, a respected professor and mentor at Fitchburg State University. Together, they discussed the mindset shifts, practical steps, and strategic planning required to evolve a side gig into a sustainable full-time business.

    Whether you’re baking cupcakes, freelancing online, crafting candles, or building an app—this episode will give you a reality check and a confidence boost.

    Catch the full episode here:
    https://soundcloud.com/kzoneradio/05-05-25-wbi-business-beat

    Elevator Pitch Examples:

    Here are a few sample pitches for side-hustlers, inspired by Dr. Greenwood’s advice:

    1. "Craft to Company":
    "I help busy professionals unwind at home by creating handcrafted, sustainable candles that turn any space into a sanctuary."

    2. "Skill to Startup":
    "I'm a freelance web designer helping small business owners turn their websites into customer-generating machines—with style and strategy."

    3. "From Passion to Paycheck":
    "I turn weekend baking into weekday business by offering made-to-order, allergy-friendly treats for families who want peace of mind and great flavor."

    Each of these pitches balances what you do, who it's for, and why it matters—a formula every growing business needs.

    Resources Mentioned (and Recommended):

    • "The Lean Startup" by Eric Ries – A modern classic for entrepreneurs building smart from the start.

    • Fiverr & Upwork – Platforms to test the market and build a client base while still employed.

    • Wachusett Business Incubator – Get mentorship, tools, and a supportive community to turn your idea into income.

    • Score.org & SBA.gov – Free business planning templates and guidance.