CAN BE Sponsors 2025 Young Entrepreneur of the Year Honoring Robert Collado
The Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce, named Robert Collado, founder and principal consultant at Hazleton Consulting Partners, as the recipient of its 2025 Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. The recognition was presented by CAN DO Program Coordinator Ana Perez during the Chamber’s 24th Annual Business and Community Awards Luncheon, held October 30th at Four Blooms Restaurant, Drums.
This year marks the 12th consecutive time that CAN DO’s entrepreneurial arm, CAN BE, has proudly sponsored the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, which honors business owners ages 13 through 40 who demonstrate excellence in strategy, long-term vision, and community engagement.
Collado launched Hazleton Consulting Partners with a mission to help organizations navigate cultural diversity, embed inclusive practices, and build stronger teams through intentional strategy. Since its founding, the business has expanded steadily, growing in staff, services, and reach, while maintaining a deep connection to the Greater Hazleton community.
“CAN BE is proud to sponsor this award each year and recognize the innovative entrepreneurs building their futures right here in Greater Hazleton,” said CAN DO’s Economic Development Manager Nico Makuta. “Robert’s work is a powerful example of how purpose-driven business can create real, lasting value in our region. His dedication to inclusion, growth, and service embodies what this award is all about.”
Corey Buchman, a senior at MMI Preparatory School, earned the 2025 Young Innovator of the Year award by the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce. The award, sponsored annually by the CAN BE Innovation Center, was presented to Corey on May 27 at the Chamber’s 49th Annual Academic Achievement Awards Banquet held at Carmen’s Country Inn & Gardens.
Students from the Greater Hazleton area made a strong showing at this year’s tecBRIDGE High School Business Plan Competition, earning top honors at the recent Awards Ceremony. Their success reflects the region’s growing culture of innovation and the entrepreneurial spirit of its youth.
The Hazleton Kitchen Incubator is excited to announce that John Carsia, co-founder of Retro Dough: Pierogi and Specialty Foods, LLC, has been named its new Kitchen Manager. As both a current tenant and now a resource to others, John is uniquely positioned to support fellow food entrepreneurs as they launch and grow their businesses.