News

Regional Partners Launch TechCelerator @ Luzerne County to Boost Early-Stage Ventures

Techcelerator Week1 IMG4Luzerne County entrepreneurship partners kicked off the first session of TechCelerator @ Luzerne County on Wednesday, January 29th, at the Wilkes-Barre THINK Center. The pilot initiative, funded in part by Microsoft, is a collective effort brought to regional entrepreneurs by the CAN BE Innovation Center, CAN DO, Inc., the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce, Wilkes-Barre Connect, the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce, tecBRIDGE, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania, and the Small Business Development Center at Wilkes University, along with the Hazleton Launchbox Supported by Pasco L. Schiavo, Esq. and the Wilkes-Barre Launchbox Powered by Penn State.

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Bees Knees BBQ brings a taste of Texas to Hazleton with the help of the Hazleton Kitchen Incubator

Bees KneesHazleton welcomes a new addition to its culinary landscape as Bees Knees BBQ joins the Hazleton Kitchen Incubator. Founded by Lesley and Bob Cauley, Bees Knees BBQ brings the authentic flavors of Texas-style barbecue to the heart of Pennsylvania.

Lesley and Bob Cauley, both Hazleton natives, have always shared a passion for bringing people together through food. They’ve also always been interested in being business owners, but until recently, they didn’t know where to start. Fortunately, through the encouragement of friends and family, they realized the potential to express their creativity through food. Enter Bees Knees BBQ.

Bees Knees BBQ officially launched its delicious venture in May 2023, with the Cauleys realizing a long-held dream of sharing their passion for barbecue with the world. Bob's decade-long journey mastering the art of barbecue started as a backyard hobby and evolved into a full-fledged obsession. "Bob has been doing BBQ for over a decade now," shares Lesley. "It started as just a hobby, messing around in the yard, but grew into an obsession to master the craft and learn the science behind the how and why of making the meat."

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Jack’s Small Batch BBQ joins Hazleton Kitchen Incubator to bringing award-winning barbecue to NEPA

Jacks Small Batch BBQThe Hazleton Kitchen Incubator is thrilled to welcome Jack’s Small Batch BBQ, LLC, a family-owned barbecue company led by brothers John and Brian Polgrean. Known for their Texas-style brisket, pulled pork, and ribs, Jack’s Small Batch BBQ is a new venture inspired by the Polgreans’ passion for cooking and their success in steak cooking competitions. The company, which will serve Greater Hazleton, Jim Thorpe, Lehighton, and surrounding areas, takes pride in their small-batch, handcrafted barbecue.

Jack’s Small Batch BBQ was born out of a steak cooking competition team, placing in numerous events and qualifying for the Steak Cookoff Association World Championship in Fort Worth, Texas, on multiple occasions. They then expanded into catering, cooking at functions for their family and friends.

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CAN BE Clients Keystone Ballet Academy and Megan Sterenchock recognized during Chamber Award Ceremony

Two clients of CAN DO’s entrepreneurial arm, the CAN BE Innovation Center, were awarded for their impact in the region as longtime CAN DO partner Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce held its 23rd Annual Business & Community Awards Luncheon on Thursday, Oct. 24, at Sand Springs Country Club, Drums.

Megan Sterenchock, owner of Stray Threads, earned Young Entrepreneur of the Year at the awards, and Keystone Ballet Academy was named Small Business of the Year.

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