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Fostering Entrepreneurship and New Venture Development
The primary mission of the CAN BE (Community Association for New Business Entrepreneurship) Innovation Center is to foster entrepreneurship and new venture development in the Hazleton area, leading to business expansion and diversity.
If you are launching a new business, expanding a small home-based business or creating a spin-off venture from an existing business, CAN BE can help.
CAN BE, in cooperation with Penn State Hazleton, the Downtown Hazleton Alliance for Progress, the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce, Wilkes University, Ben Franklin Technology Partners and other strategic partners and associations, is a value-added entity that serves as a catalyst in bringing together new business interests and business development resources that lead to launching new businesses and new jobs for the Hazleton area.
CAN BE's staff is focused on generating a renewed spirit of entrepreneurship within the entire community and instilling in the community a sense that Hazleton is a preferred location for both launching new business and developing new careers. We assist emerging companies and businesses in transition in developing business plans and business strategies and help them to access the resource network by acting as a primary business development support system.
CAN BE Innovation Center
Conveniently located within the Valmont Industrial Park, at 103 Rotary Drive in West Hazleton, the 14,000-square foot CAN BE business incubator offers the facilities and support services that are necessary and useful to entrepreneurs who are seeking to develop a business in the Hazleton area.
CAN BE offers entrepreneurs the ingredients for growing a successful business: modern facilities and a variety of business development and support services. These services are modestly priced to further enhance the entrepreneur's opportunities for success.
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Office Space Light manufacturing space Shared space, including lunch and conference rooms Utilities includedFacilities
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Business mentoring Networked fax/printer/copier High speed internet access Audio/video equipmentSupport Services
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Business mentoring – planning, financial, technical, operations Access to training programs Internship availability through university and college partnerships Networking opportunities and free Chamber membershipBusiness Development
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Sellable KIZ tax credits up to $100,000 Access to funding stream organizations like NEPA Angel Investors Partnerships with Wilkes-Barre PITCH, tecBRIDGE's business plan competition and Ben Franklin Technology PartnersFinancial
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Reviews and assistance Pro bono or reduced feesLegal
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All of these services are available to small businesses, even without a physical presence in the incubator through a new affiliate member program.
Call 570-455-1508 ext. 2019 for service fees.
Community Benefits
Business incubators improve the local economy through the creation of jobs and increased tax revenue. Growing in an incubator increases a business’ chance of continued success and potential for long-term economic impact. National statistics indicate that two out of three business start-ups fail within the first five years, but 87 percent of businesses started in an incubator are still viable after five years.
Incubators encourage the development and implementation of new, “fresh” ideas. Successful incubator programs can help build a spirit of entrepreneurship within a community, and communities can take a sense of pride in home-grown businesses that are locally owned and operated.
While incubators provide an array of benefits to the communities in which they are located, incubators need community support to succeed. CAN BE is pleased to receive support from businesses, organizations and partnerships throughout the Greater Hazleton community.