Michelle Gachette is the founder of Business Data Friends, where she brings more than 20 years of experience in academic libraries, archival research, and business analysis to support small business owners and nonprofit leaders. Her work focuses on helping clients move from scattered information to clear, structured research systems that support funding, contracts, and long-term decision-making.

Her background spans library science, information management, and strategic analysis, allowing her to bridge traditional research methods with real-world business needs. She has worked in complex institutional environments, including Harvard University, where she supported research, program development, and strategic initiatives by translating large volumes of information into clear, actionable insights.

Michelle holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Virginia, along with certificates in Archives Administration (Georgia Archives Institute), Entrepreneurial Librarianship (Creative Startups Libraries as Launchpads Accelerator), and Copyediting (Emerson College Continuing Education). She is also a member of the Association of Independent Information Professionals (AIIP), the American Library Association (ALA), the North Carolina Library Association (NCLA), and BLINC (Business Librarianship in North Carolina).

Her experience includes leading projects that resulted in measurable growth, such as increasing organizational engagement by 360% and supporting initiatives that contributed to significant team expansion. She brings expertise in secondary research, records management, knowledge systems, and data-informed planning, with a strong emphasis on accuracy, context, and continuity.

Michelle is bilingual and works with clients across the United States and internationally. Her approach is grounded in careful listening, structured thinking, and respect for each client’s goals, capacity, and working style. She sees research not as a one-time task, but as an ongoing process that—when organized well—can strengthen confidence, improve outcomes, and support sustainable growth.