Gateway Innovation Incubator Program
You Don't Have to Grow it Alone – we’re pairing new businesses with seasoned entrepreneurs to share knowledge, experience, & proven advice.
The Gateway Innovation Incubator Program is a new initiative that pairs emerging business leaders with experienced entrepreneurial veterans in the region to help jump-start their growth. Spearheaded by the Hudson Valley Gateway Foundation, the program creates mentorship connections that pass down proven strategies and insights to the next generation of local business leaders.
For a modest one-time fee of $200.00, new businesses gain access to a 6-week course with structured lessons and materials, as well as valuable business contacts and mentorship opportunities. Additionally, they receive a one-year Basic Connect Level Membership with the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce. Already a Chamber member? Sign up for the Incubator Program and get 50% off plus a FREE year of Chamber membership — starting when your current annual dues expire.
Each Tuesday from 6 PM to 7:30 PM, participants will engage in virtual group workshops, and one-on-one sessions will equip new business owners to take their organizations to the next level.
Program Overview
Participants Will Receive:
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Weekly workshops
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One-on-one mentorship
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Networking opportunities
- A one-year Connect Level Membership
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Access to resources, tools, & more
Timeline:
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Week 1: Kickoff – Purpose, People & Possibility
Define your vision, clarify your mission, and identify your ideal customer while learning tools like the Lean Canvas and customer discovery interviews. -
Week 2: Build the Blueprint – Business Model & Branding
Establish your business structure, shape your core offerings, and create a brand identity with practical design tools for market testing. -
Week 3: Money, Pricing & Profit
Understand startup costs, set value-based pricing, calculate profit margins, manage finances with basic tools, and explore funding options.
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Week 4: Marketing Essentials & Visibility
Learn how to tell your story, plan content, master beginner-friendly social media and email marketing, and build visibility through PR and partnerships. -
Week 5: Pitch, Polish & Practice
Build and refine your pitch, strengthen slide design and delivery skills, and practice live with feedback from peers. -
Week 6: Celebration, Connection & Next Steps
Showcase your pitch, reflect on progress, map out the next 90 days, and celebrate with networking and certificates.
Meet the Instructors
Brandon Bitterman, CEO of Branch Leadership
Brandon coaches growth-minded leaders committed to self-improvement. A Certified Coach through Gravitas Impact, he has spent 15+ years implementing proven tools to help people exceed their potential. His graduate studies on institutions, organizations, and education policy shaped his path from the nonprofit sector to a NYC start-up, where he helped grow a five-person team into a nationwide staff of 300+.
Inspired by the Executive Business Coach who guided him, Brandon now shares his strengths with CEOs, small business owners, and leaders at every level — helping them build thriving companies, strengthen leadership skills, and increase accountability nationwide.
Chereese Jervis-Hill, CEO & Founder of Events To Remember + PR To Remember, divisions of Events by Chereese, Inc.
Chereese Jervis-Hill, Founder & CEO of Events To Remember + PR To Remember, brings nearly 30 years of event management and PR expertise. Her award-winning agency, based in Hastings-on-Hudson, specializes in producing mission-driven events and strategic campaigns for corporations, nonprofits, municipalities, and entrepreneurs.
A former corporate professional with Philip Morris, MetLife, and Deutsche Bank, Chereese has been recognized as one of 914Inc.’s Top Women in Business, a Westchester 40 Under 40 Rising Star, and a Leadership Westchester alum. In addition to her agency, she mentors entrepreneurs, serves as a business ambassador, and hosts the podcast "Coffee with Cher."
Marion Henson, CEO & Founder of Bloom Healthy
Marion Henson, a Westchester native now living in Dutchess County, is a dynamic professional committed to community impact. A wife and mother of three, she balances family life with passions for cooking, poetry, and service.
Early in her career, she worked in education and nonprofits, later earning a cosmetology license and gaining experience in the beauty industry. In 2018, Marion earned an M.S. in Digital Marketing, and in 2021, she launched Bloom Healthy, an organic grocery pop-up improving food access in underserved communities. Recognized for her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to health, she was named a 2022 Business Council of Westchester 40 Under 40 Rising Star.
Mike Dardano, Marketing Executive at BuzzPotential
Mike Dardano, Marketing Executive and founder of BuzzPotential, brings 45 years of marketing and sales expertise. His company helps clients boost profitable sales while strengthening community engagement. Before launching BuzzPotential, Mike served as Senior Vice President at Co-Communications and held leadership roles at Burst! Media, Editor & Publisher, Media Passage, and The Los Angeles Times.
An active member of multiple chambers of commerce and the Tuckahoe Environmental and Sustainability Committee, he also serves on the Hope For Youth Foundation board. Dedicated to philanthropy, Mike has raised funds for numerous local charities, including Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley and Homes For Veterans.
Jacqueline Bufi, Assistant Vice President at M&T Bank
Jacqueline Bufi is a Senior Relationship
Banker at M&T Bank with a demonstrated history of customer focus. She's skilled in relationship building, strengthening customer engagement, and managing client relationships professionally.
With over 30 years of experience as an entrepreneur, she utilizes her skills and knowledge as a small business owner to connect effectively with business leaders and new clients, helping them achieve their goals and objectives by providing the best possible financial support.
WyQuasia Capri, Class with Capri
WyQuasia Capri is a powerhouse executive, entrepreneur, and philanthropist with a proven track record leading multi-billion-dollar corporations and scaling high-impact businesses. She is the founder of Class with Capri, a consultancy delivering strategic solutions to accelerate growth and impact. As COO of her family’s enterprises — Little Kings & Queens Learning Center, LKQ Entertainment Inc. (Fun Place, Video Game Truck, Party Patrol), and Kings House of Fire Cannabis Dispensary — she drives operational excellence across diverse industries.
A certified parliamentarian and creator of the history-making Divine Nine fashion collections, WyQuasia also established the WyQuasia C. King-Thomas Scholarship Fund. She is deeply committed to economic empowerment, cultural advancement, and next-generation leadership.
Monique Perretti, CEO & Founder of Marketing and Planning Solutions Group
Monique Perretti is the Founder and CEO of MAP Solutions Group, where she helps entrepreneurs and businesses sharpen brand identity, expand market reach, and drive profitability. With a BA in Arts Management and Communications from Manhattanville University and an MBA in Marketing and Media Management from Fordham University, Monique spent nearly twenty years in corporate marketing before launching her own firm in 2018.
She also leads marketing classes to make high-quality education accessible, equipping business owners with tools for growth. As a mentor and speaker, Monique empowers leaders to overcome challenges and seize opportunities with confidence.
Application Process
Ready to jump-start your entrepreneurial potential? Apply to the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce Incubator Program and bring your business to the next level!
- Click the button, complete the application, and submit it.
- Once submitted, our team will review your application and determine whether your business is eligible for the program.
- Upon acceptance, you will receive an email and an invoice for $200. You must pay the total amount ahead of the program start date of September 9th.