Free for small businesses · 501(c)(3) · Since 2014Stuck running your business alone?
Stuck running your business alone?
Let's fix that.
You started your business to be your own boss — not to drown in marketing, bookkeeping, hiring and tech. The Wachusett Business Incubator gives Central MA small businesses the free coaching, real connections, and practical training to finally grow with confidence.
- 1‑on‑1 mentorship with operators who've been there
- AI & marketing workshops built for non‑technical owners
- Funding, licensing & supplier connections across 40 towns
No pitch deck. No fees. No equity taken. Ever.
- 40
- Cities & towns served
- 100%
- Free programs
- 10+
- Years in the community
Title Sponsor
Proudly partnered with Mount Wachusett Community College to foster innovation, support local entrepreneurs, and create opportunities across our region.
mwcc.eduNew at WBI
UpPluck is now inside WBI
A full-service media marketing company has joined the incubator. UpPluck helps local businesses across North Central Massachusetts scale, grow, and succeed — with social management, digital marketing, and graphic design under one roof.
Social Management
Digital Marketing
Graphic Design
"This is game changing for our organization and our community."
82 Main St., Gardner, MAConnect with UpPluck
New · Launching November 2026
Introducing Catapult — pitch your business. Win $10K + a brand build.
A high-stakes pitch competition for innovative entrepreneurs across North Central Massachusetts. Step onto our stage, pitch to a panel of judges, and walk away with the capital and mentorship to launch — for real.
- $10,000 cash grand prize
- $15,000 brand build by UpPluck
- Full website, logo, social & marketing
- Live panel of judges
Grand prize
$10,000
+ $15,000 brand build
Website, logo, social media, marketing & UpPluck Marketing University
Platinum
$10,000
Title sponsor — 1 spot
Gold
$5,000
5 spots available
Silver
$2,500
5 spots available
What we do
Programs built for real founders.
Thoughtfully crafted to meet the real-world needs of our local economy — whether you're starting a side hustle or scaling a team.
See all programsEntrepreneur 101
A foundational course on starting and growing a business, from validation to first revenue.
AI for Business
Hands-on workshops that show small businesses how to use AI to operate smarter, not harder.
Mentorship & Coaching
One-on-one support from operators who've built businesses in our region.
Events & Networking
Classes, symposiums, and roundtables that connect founders with the people who can help.
Watch
Hear our story, in motion.
A quick look at who we are and the founders we serve across North Central Massachusetts.
Powered by our community
Featured sponsors.
Gold
Gold
Gold
1 spot left · Gold tierClaim this spotOpen · Gold tierSee what's includedOpen · Gold tierView pricing & tiers
Rollstone Bank & Trust
Banking that puts you first. Local people. Local decisions.
Visit www.rollstonebank.comMontachusett.TV
Shining a spotlight on our community — events, stories & shows from North Central Mass.
Visit montachusett.tvGreater Gardner Chamber of Commerce
Stronger together. Building a better community across North Central MA.
Visit gardnerma.comBe the next logo our region sees first.
This exact tile, on our homepage, in front of every founder, chamber member, and curious neighbor in North Central MA — for a full year.
Put your brand next to the businesses you want to win.
WBI is where small business owners come for help, hires, and capital. Sit beside them on the page they trust — not buried in a directory.
$2,400 a year. One unforgettable placement.
Full pricing, perks, and reach — all on the Sponsors page. No sales call required to see the numbers.
$39,960 community pledge
Website grant · powered by UpPluck Social
40 free professional websites for local businesses.
UpPluck Social LLC has pledged $39,960 to design and deliver forty complete websites — plus Pipeline Navigator CRM — for businesses and entrepreneurs selected by WBI. If you're ready for a credible digital presence, this is your moment to apply.
- Professionally designed website — $999 value, free to you
- Pipeline Navigator CRM (social, email, SMS, leads)
- Optional hosting + SSL + CRM for just $25/month after launch
Featured partner offer
See where your site stands — in 30 seconds.
Our partners at ADA Active Shield will scan your website for accessibility gaps and email you a plain‑English report — no signup, no sales call, no cost. Know exactly what to fix before a demand letter shows up.
Free website scan
Featured partner offer
Your voice. Your message. Powerfully shared.
Dani Cutler Content Creation helps founders elevate their brand with strategic marketing & promotions, compelling content writing, and professional audio & voiceovers — content that engages, grows, and inspires.
Let's create together
Featured partner offer
See exactly how your business shows up online.
UpPluck's free Online Presence Report digs into every channel customers use to find, judge, and choose you — SEO health, performance, mobile, local listings, reviews, social, ads, and competitors. You walk away with a clear score and the highest‑impact fixes called out first. No cost. No obligation. Just clarity.
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.
Voices
What our entrepreneurs are saying.
"Joining WBI was a game-changer for my woodworking business. Their mentorship helped me transition from a side hustle to a full-time venture."
"From business planning to connecting with local suppliers, their assistance was invaluable. The community-focused approach made me feel supported every step."
"Not just office space — access to a network of professionals and workshops that helped refine my business model. Their commitment to innovation shows."
"Their help with licensing, marketing, and funding made my catering company a reality. WBI made a daunting journey manageable."
On the air
Listen to our radio show.
Tune in at noon on the first Monday of every month. Insights, updates, and inspiration from local entrepreneurs and community leaders.
Listen nowHave an idea? Let's build it.
Get a free coaching session with the WBI team. No pitch deck required — just bring your idea and questions.