About Us

History

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., which was officially incorporated in 2014 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. 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 of the organization. As part of this effort, 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.

Interested in launching or growing your business?
Contact us to learn how WBI can help turn your ideas into reality.

About Us | Empowering Entrepreneurs to Grow Their Dreams

About our business incubator, entrepreneur support, nonprofit business support, grow your dream, small business resources.

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.

What Is WBI?

Board of Directors

M. Paul Carlberg, Executive Director

Wachusett Business Incubator

M. Paul Carlberg had been with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Division of Insurance for 4 years serving as the Director of Producer Licensing for 2 years. Prior to Paul’s work with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, he worked at several technology startups and was a Director at Staples Corporation. He also was the principal owner of Heritage Insurance for more than twenty years. Paul has solid entrepreneurial energy and continually works to bring new ideas and products to market.
Paul is an active board member of the Gardner Redevelopment Authority and Gardner Industrial Development Finance Authority. He has served many other organizations in the Gardner area including Gardner Community Action Center, Gardner Rotary Club, United Way, Masonic Lodge, Gardner Lions, MWCC Foundation, MWCC Trustees, Gardner Visiting Nursing Association, Aleppo Temple Clown, Faith Lutheran Church, and Chair City Church.
Paul serves as a board member of the Wachusett Business Incubator. He is excited about the direction of the organization and is looking forward to helping WBI achieve great success.
Paul lives in Gardner with his wife Lina. Paul has two grown children both of whom are entrepreneurs.

Melissa Fetterhoff

President/CEO
Nashoba Valley Chamber of Commerce

Over her 20 years at the Nashoba Valley Chamber, Melissa has worked with hundreds of businesses, Legislators, and regional leaders to improve the economic vitality of the Nashoba Valley region by focusing on economic development, public policy, member services, and other activities that contribute to a vibrant business climate.
Melissa serves on various boards within the Nashoba Valley region including: Massachusetts Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (past Chair), New England Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (past Chair), Boys and Girls Club Fitchburg Leominster (incoming Chair), United Way of North Central, Devens Enterprise Commission, Nashoba Valley Technical High School Advisory Board, Nashoba Valley Medical Center Advisory Board, Shriver Job Corps Center Community Relations Council and Workforce Council, MassHire North Central Workforce Board.
Ms. Fetterhoff is the recipient of the 2022 New England Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives CEO of the Year award and a recipient of the 2007 Worcester Business Journal 40 Under 40.

John Lohmann

Vice President
Fitchburg State College

Cheryl Gaudreau

Senior V.P.
Enterprise Bank and Trust

Sandie Cataldo

Manager of Economic Development
North Central MA Development Corporation

Sandie works with non-profits, state agencies, banks and credit unions as well as small business community to strengthen economic development on a regional level by encouraging job creation and retention.
Prior to the Development Corporation Sandie held the position of Business Development Coordinator for the City of Leominster for nine years. In this role, Sandie represented the city as the liaison to the small business community working one-on-one with entrepreneurs guiding them through the municipal process. In addition, she coordinated all aspects of the city’s large community events designed to support the revitalization of the downtown Leominster and to provide opportunities for small businesses to gain more exposure and visibility.
She serves on the Board of Directors for Wachusett Business Incubator, a member of the North Central MA CRA Coalition, as well several economic development advisory committees.

Michael T. Greenwood, PhD.

Business Administration
Fitchburg State University

Kevin Tomasetti

Vice President of Manufacturing
Advanced Cable Ties, Inc.

Rebecca Marois

Clerk
Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce

Rebecca Marois is a dynamic leader and community advocate currently serving as the President and CEO of the Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce since December 2022. With a passion for fostering local business growth and community development, Rebecca brings a wealth of experience to her role.
Prior to her current position, Rebecca carved her entrepreneurial path as the owner and operator of a graphic design and marketing business, where she worked closely with numerous local businesses in Central Massachusetts. Her creative expertise and strategic approach contributed to the success and brand development of various enterprises in the region.
Rebecca's diverse professional journey also includes owning and operating a sports rental company in Central Massachusetts. In this venture, she collaborated with the public, schools, and colleges, establishing herself as a reliable partner in the local sports and recreational scene.
In addition to her professional achievements, Rebecca finds joy in her roles as a wife and mother. Celebrating 20 years of marriage with her husband James, she is the proud mother of two boys, James and Jonathan, expertly balancing family life with her professional commitments.
Rebecca's commitment to community service is evident through her active involvement in various initiatives. She serves on the Board of Directors for Wachusett Business Incubator, contributing to the growth and support of local entrepreneurs. Additionally, her collaboration with the City of Gardner includes volunteering on the Wayfinding Committee and the Request for Proposal Review Committee, ensuring transparency and efficiency in local governance.
A dedicated member of the Gardner Festivals Committee, Rebecca volunteers her time and skills to organize and promote community events, fostering a sense of unity and celebration.
Rebecca Marois continues to lead the Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce with vision and dedication, shaping the local business landscape and fostering a thriving and connected community. Her multifaceted experience, community spirit, and leadership acumen make her a driving force in the economic and cultural development of the Greater Gardner area.

Christal Brown

Vice President / Director of Marketing
GFA Federal Credit Union

With over a decade of experience in strategic marketing leadership, Christal Brown currently serves as Vice President / Director of Marketing at GFA Federal Credit Union. A strong advocate for community collaboration, Christal forges local partnerships and leads efforts to promote financial literacy across Central Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire, including direct engagement with regional educational institutions. Christal holds an MBA in Marketing and New Media Design from Southern New Hampshire University and a BBA in Marketing with a minor in Psychology from the Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Committed to service and professional development, she serves on the board of the Wachusett Business Incubator and is a member of the advisory group for the Boys & Girls Club. She also serves on the Leadership Monadnock Committee and previously represented the FDIC Youth Education Network as an Ambassador. Christal formerly served on the Gardner Square Two Board.

James Vander Hooven, Ed.D.

Ex-Officio
Mount Wachusett Community College

James Vander Hooven, Ed.D. has been committed to the ideas of access and opportunity in higher education for the majority of his professional career. In his role as president at Mount Wachusett Community College, Jim has taken this student-centered approach and applied it to everything he touches. Previously, Jim served as the Vice President for Enrollment Management at Landmark College in Putney, Vermont. In this role, he served as the College’s chief enrollment officer, managed recruitment activities, enrollment and admissions processes, and administered the Office of Financial Aid. He also oversaw the Office of Transfer, Career, and Internship Services. Before joining Landmark College, Jim was president of Tohono O’odham Community College, a Tribal College located on the Tohono O’odham Reservation in Arizona. In that role, he oversaw the $9 million construction of a new main campus, strengthened programs in the areas of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and developmental education, and represented the Tribal Colleges in annual presentations on Capitol Hill. The breadth of his experience gives him a keen understanding of the challenges and opportunities of educational leadership. He is dedicated to building strong teams designed to achieve important goals and improve student outcomes. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from The Ohio State University. He received his Master of Arts degree in American Studies from the University of Wyoming. In 2009, he was awarded his Doctorate in Higher Education Leadership from the University of Maine.