THE GATEWAY INNOVATION INCUBATOR PROGRAM

Applications are open for the second class of entrepreneurs looking to take their businesses to the next level through a 6-week intensive program led by regional commerce leaders PEEKSKILL, NEW YORK – On March 10th, the Gateway Innovation Incubator Program, an initiative created by the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce Foundation, will kick off its second session of classes. The small business incubator first launched last August and paired new small business leaders with experienced entrepreneurial veterans in the region to help jumpstart their growth.

New businesses need a clear roadmap and the tools to execute it, and the Gateway Innovation Incubator Program is designed to do exactly that. Over seven weeks, participants clarify their purpose and ideal customer, shape a sellable offer, and map out a simple business blueprint they can build on, while also tackling common issues like pricing for profit, startup costs and margins, basic finances, and funding options.

As the course continues, participants focus on visibility by learning how to tell their story, plan content, and use beginner-friendly social media, email marketing, PR, and partnerships to reach the right people. Those who need it can also join an optional payroll session for best practices when hiring or paying employees. The final weeks bring it all together through pitch polishing, stronger presentation skills, practice with feedback, and a realistic next 90 days action plan.

This is all included in the one-time $200 fee. The program begins virtually and culminates with in-person sessions, and every participant receives a one-year Basic Connect Level Membership ($500 value) with the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce, so the relationships, resources, and opportunities continue long after the program ends. Already a Chamber member? Enroll for 50% off and receive a FREE year of Chamber membership starting when your current annual dues expire.

“The Hudson Valley is full of entrepreneurial energy, and this new incubator cohort is a chance to invest in the next wave of local business leaders,” said Carole Voisey, Executive Director

of the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce. “Small businesses are the heart of our community, and when we give entrepreneurs the tools, mentorship, and connections to grow with confidence, we strengthen the future of our entire region. This program is about turning promising ideas into sustainable businesses and building momentum that lasts.”

"The Incubator was a catalyst for clarity. The mentorship helped me fine-tune my business model and refine how I communicate my value, while the weekly workshops provided the tools and frameworks to guide my strategic decision-making," said Jack Lio, Founder of Allied Growth & Success. "What started as networking quickly turned into strategic collaboration and lasting friendships with fellow entrepreneurs who are just as motivated to grow."

“Before the incubator, I had a lot of ideas, but no clear structure, and the weekly workshops and mentorship helped me turn what I was doing into a real plan with next steps I could actually follow," said Isabella Cotto, Owner of Tu Sei Bella Salon. "Each week I implemented something new, and by the end I felt more confident in the decisions I was making and the future of my salon."

Curriculum Highlights

● Week 1 (March 10): Purpose & Possibility Define mission, clarify ideal customer, and learn tools like the Lean Canvas and customer discovery interviews. (Led by Brandon Bitterman, Branch Leadership)

● Week 2 (March 24): Build the Blueprint Shape your business structure, core offerings, and early brand identity using practical tools for market testing. (Led by Nicole Golden, Lower Hudson Valley SBDC)

● Week 3 (March 31): Pricing & Profit Understand startup costs, value-based pricing, margins, basic financial tools, and funding options. (Led by Jacqueline Bufi & Mati Estevez, M&T Bank)

● Week 4 (April 14): Payroll For businesses with employees: payroll best practices and operational foundations for compliant growth. (Led by Karen Trendell, Anchor Payroll & Benefits Solutions)

● Week 5 (April 21): Visibility Craft your story, plan content, strengthen social/email basics, and build visibility through PR and partnerships. (Led by Mike Dardano, BuzzPotential & John Van Dekker, Enormous Creative)

● Week 6 (April 28): Pitch, Polish & Practice Refine your pitch, strengthen your delivery, and practice with feedback from peers. (Led by Vanessa Cardenas, Relationship Reset Expert)

● Week 7: Celebration, Connection & Next Steps Showcase your pitch, map the next 90 days, celebrate progress, and connect with the community.

To learn more about the program or to speak with someone about becoming a mentor or participant, visit hvgatewaychamber.com or contact the Chamber directly at info@hvgatewaychamber.com.

About the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber Foundation

The Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber Foundation is the nonprofit affiliate of the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce. Established in 2018, the mission of the Foundation is to develop and execute tactical solutions focused on strengthening the communities of the Hudson Valley Gateway region. This is done by providing programs and services promoting local tourism, by devising visitor information resource initiatives, by supporting higher education through scholarship awards, and by advancing sustainable workforce development.