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.

“We are beyond proud to see our clients, Keystone Ballet Academy and Megan Sterenchock, recognized for their contributions to the business community,” Nico Makuta, CAN DO Business Financing Specialist, said. “Their success reflects the importance of entrepreneurship in Greater Hazleton.”

After the COVID-19 pandemic, Hazleton area native Sterenchock found herself at a crossroads in her career and a leap into working for a startup opened her mind to entrepreneurial thinking. After a local screen-printing shop owner retired, she was inspired to open her own business in the field, combining her background in graphic design with her interest in creating quality merchandise. With the support of her family and friends, she officially opened Stray Threads inside the CAN BE Innovation Center in January 2022.

The incubator program within the CAN BE Innovation Center also served as a resource for Sterenchock, connecting her with mentors, financing agents, and service providers, and providing her with the space to fit Stray Threads’ needs.

At Stray Threads, Sterenchock uses a manual press, which means she does all designs by hand, to print on t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, and tote bags. This provides a more personal touch and allows her the ability to accommodate smaller production runs, which in turn, can benefit small, local businesses that may not have the needs or resources for large, bulk orders.

Sterenchock also works with customers to design new logos to help build their brand and visual identity. In the future, she has plans to collaborate with different artists to create limited-run designs for sale through the business’ Artist Collective.

“I never thought I’d end up as an entrepreneur, let alone receive an award for it,” Sterenchock said. “This honor really shows the amazing support and encouragement I’ve had from the community – without it I wouldn’t be here. It’s been a dream.”

At the event, Makuta, proudly presented Sterenchock her award. This marks the 11th year that CAN BE has sponsored the award. Sterenchock’s involvement in the incubator program highlights CAN BE's commitment to fostering local entrepreneurs and providing them with the tools they need to succeed. Sterenchock joins previous award recipients such as Paul DeAngelo, Jr, Founder of Mission Autism Clinic, Omar Alcantara, Owner of Tabla Supply, Carolina Polanco, Owner of Carola’s Bakery, Ryan Robinson, Managing Partner of IntelliGreen, Ashley Evert, Founder of Halogen Hair Company, Jeremy Thorne, Owner of ThorneCare Landscape Solutions, and Scott Gottstein, Chief Administrative Officer for The Gottstein Corporation.

The Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award promotes the development of future business owners and operators within the Greater Hazleton Area. Applicants were judged on staying power, growth strategy and accomplishments, as well as community contribution. Nominees for the Chamber’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year award must be between the ages of 13 and 35; reside or attend school in the Greater Hazleton area; attend school, high school or college or have successfully completed high school or be a full-time graduate student; have a for-profit business currently operating within Greater Hazleton that has been in operation for at least three months; and have a client/customer base of three or more.

“Both Sterenchock and Keystone Ballet Academy exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit that CAN BE strives to cultivate,” Makuta said.

Keystone Ballet Academy, a premier dance studio offering high-level ballet training to students of all ages, has been recognized for its outstanding contributions to the local business community as Small Business of the Year winner. A client of CAN BE’s incubator space, the owner Emily Finer, utilized the services that CAN BE offers to small businesses to grow her dance school to more than 40 students who range in age from three years old to adult.

Finer, a New York City native and a graduate of the famous High School for the Performing Arts and American Ballet Theatre. She studied with some of the top teachers in New York City, including Finis Jhung, David Howard, Melissa Hayden, and Wilhelm Burmann. She moved to Hazleton in the early 2000s, and was inspired to open her own studio in the region in 2017 in order to bring a higher level of quality ballet training to the area.

The studio has grown significantly since its inception, and its dedication to artistic excellence, along with its positive impact on the community, were key factors in receiving the Small Business of the Year award.

“I am honored to receive The Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year Award for 2024. Being recognized means a lot, and I appreciate The Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce's acknowledgment of Keystone Ballet Academy for the award,” Finer said.

The Small Business of the Year Award recognizes and celebrates a small business located in the Greater Hazleton Area, highlighting the vital role these businesses play in the local economy and community welfare. Eligible applicants include any Chamber member business with no more than 50 full-time employees within the Greater Hazleton area. Judging criteria focus on staying power, growth achievements, community impact, and overall management philosophy.

“As the region continues to foster small businesses, their recognition highlights the diverse talents and industries that contribute to the local economy,” Makuta said. “While Megan’s journey reflects the power of creative thinking and community support, Keystone Ballet Academy’s achievements underscore the impact of arts and culture on business growth."

For more information on the CAN BE Innovation Center or starting a business in the Greater Hazleton Area, please contact Nico Makuta by calling 570-455-1508, ext. 2007 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..