Applications are open for the third class of entrepreneurs looking to take their businesses to the next level through a 6-week intensive program led by regional business, nonprofit, & executive leaders
On September 15, the Gateway Innovation Incubator Program, an initiative created by the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce Foundation, will begin its third session. Since launching in August 2025, the program has connected more than 20 emerging business owners with experienced mentors. Recent research shows why that access matters: a 2025 study of 114 participants found that 82% said mentorship improved their ability to make strategic business decisions.
The program focuses on the questions new business owners face every day: What is my purpose? Who am I trying to reach? What should I charge? Is my business actually making money? Where can I find funding? Instructors will help participants work through those questions in group workshops and one-on-one sessions, using their own businesses as the starting point. Hands-on sessions will also cover payroll and content creation in real time.
The six-week program begins virtually, with participants meeting on Tuesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. for instructor led sessions. Each instructor session is followed the next week by an in-person workshop focused on participants’ assignments. These sessions will function like office hours, giving business owners time to get feedback and apply lessons to their own businesses. The concluding session will give participants an opportunity to pitch their businesses and celebrate their accomplishments with a graduation celebration. Applications are open.
“When you’re starting a business, there are a lot of questions you don’t even know to ask yet,” said Carole J. Voisey, Executive Director of the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce. “The Incubator connects new business owners with people who have already worked through many of those problems, so they don’t have to endure the same issues. It’s a feedback loop that saves entrepreneurs time, money, and their sanity.”
The program is available for a one-time fee of $200. Enrollment includes the complete six-week course and a one-year Basic Connect Level Membership with the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce, so that the benefits of the network continue long after the program concludes.
Current Chamber members who enroll will receive 50 percent off the program fee, along with an additional complimentary year of Chamber membership beginning when their current annual membership expires.
LESSON SCHEDULE & Structure
September 15: Purpose & Possibility
Brandon Bitterman of Branch Leadership will cover mission, customers, the Lean Canvas, and customer interviews.
September 22: In-Person Workshop
Participants will bring their assignments and work directly with the full instructor team. These sessions will function like office hours, giving business owners time to get feedback and apply lessons to their own businesses.
September 29: Build the Blueprint
WyQuasia Capri King, of Class With Capri, King’s House of Fire, and King’s House of Smoke will cover business structure, core offerings, branding and market testing.
October 6: In-Person Workshop
October 13: Pricing, Profit & Payroll
Jacqueline Bufi of M&T Bank and Karen Trendell of Anchor Payroll & Benefit Solutions will cover pricing, profit margins, funding, payroll and budgeting.
October 20: In-Person Workshop, Finance Edition
October 27: Visibility
Mike Dardano of BuzzPotential and John Van Dekker of Enormous Creative will cover storytelling, content, social media, email, PR and partnerships.
November 4: In-Person Workshop, How to Create Content
November 10: Pitch, Polish & Practice
Vanessa Cardenas will lead an in-person session on pitching, slide design and presentation skills.
November 17: Celebration, Connection & Next Steps
Participants will present their pitches, create 90-day plans and celebrate with networking and certificates.
Applications will be reviewed to determine eligibility. Accepted participants will receive an email and invoice, with payment required before the program begins.
To learn more or submit an application, visit hvgatewaychamber.com and select “Incubator Program.” Direct questions to info@hvgatewaychamber.com or 914-737-3600.
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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.