To officially apply to the CAN BE Innovation Center you will need to submit:

1) A completed application form,

2) A copy of your business plan, including three-year financial projections and

3) Provide any pertinent information that will help us understand your business.

1. What is a business incubator?

The CAN BE Innovation Center is a business incubator that provides resources, support, and guidance to early-stage companies, entrepreneurs, and startups to help them grow and succeed. Incubators offer a nurturing environment, typically physical or virtual, where businesses can develop and refine their ideas, products, or services.

2. Who is eligible to apply?

Anyone launching a new business, expanding a small home-based business or creating a spin-off venture from an existing business. Ideal candidates are new venture or spin-off innovators with technological product ideas or knowledge-based business concepts. CAN BE gives preference to companies possessing or developing proprietary technologies but this is not the sole criteria for selection.

3. What services and resources does the incubator provide?

The incubator provides a variety of services and resources, including:

Facilities:

Office space

Light manufacturing space

Shared areas, such as lunch and conference rooms

Utilities included

Support Services:

Business mentoring

Access to networked fax/printer/copier

High-speed internet access

Audio/video equipment

Business Development:

Business mentoring in planning, finance, technical, and operations

Access to training programs

Internship opportunities through university and college partnerships

Networking opportunities

Free Chamber membership

Financial:

Sellable KIZ tax credits up to $100,000

Access to funding organizations like NEPA Angel Investors

Partnerships with Wilkes-Barre PITCH, tecBRIDGE's business plan competition, and Ben Franklin Technology Partners

Legal:

Reviews and assistance with legal matters, often at pro bono or reduced fees.

4. What is the application process like?

The application process involves several steps:

    1. Initial Inquiry: Interested businesses can reach out to us for more information about the incubator and its offerings.

    2. Application Submission: Applicants must complete an application form, which includes providing a business plan and financial projections.

    3. Review Process: Our team will review the application to assess the business’s fit with our incubator’s mission and resources.

    4. Interview: If the application meets our criteria, candidates may be invited for an interview to discuss their business in more detail.

    5. Decision: After the interview, the selection committee will make a decision. Successful applicants will receive an acceptance letter outlining the next steps.

    6. Onboarding: Once accepted, new tenants will complete necessary agreements and begin the onboarding process to access our resources and support.

Overall, we strive to make the process as smooth and supportive as possible to help businesses succeed.

5. Are there any costs or fees associated with joining the incubator?

Yes, there are costs associated with joining the incubator. In addition to the lease, tenants must provide proof of insurance, obtain a West Hazleton Borough Business License, and secure an approval letter from West Hazleton Zoning.

6. How long can businesses stay in the incubator?

The incubation period for a business can range from three months to three to five years, depending on various factors. Our lease terms are set for one year, with the option to renew for an additional two one-year periods.

7. What kind of businesses have successfully graduated from the incubator?

Several businesses have successfully graduated from the incubator, and you can find their names displayed on our wall. The two most recent graduates are Vizvibe and Ranek Technologies.

8. Do tenants need to be in a specific location to apply?

No, tenants do not need to be in a specific location to apply. While we generally focus on the Greater Hazleton Area, we have made exceptions in the past. Ultimately, the most important factor is finding the right business and the right person to contribute to the ecosystem that has been built in the incubator.

9. Can I visit the incubator before applying?

Yes, you can visit the incubator before applying. Just make an appointment with either Ana Perez (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or Nico Makuta (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

10. Are there any networking opportunities with other businesses?

Yes, there are ample networking opportunities with other businesses. Participants can engage in activities such as lunch & learns, speaker series, and seminars/workshops. All of this information will be shared via email and through our THInC Newsletter.

11. How does the incubator help with funding?

The incubator assists with funding through mentorship and partnerships with our sponsors. They simply need to share their challenges with us, and we will leverage our network to help them overcome these obstacles.

12. What happens after a business leaves the incubator?

We support their transition to the next step, nurturing their growth and confidence. We celebrate their achievements by featuring their logo on our graduate wall, hosting a small celebration, and issuing a press release to share the news.

13. Is there a required business plan or financial projections for applying?

Yes, both a business plan and financial projections are mandatory for the application, but they may be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Ideal candidates are new venture or spin-off innovators with technological product ideas or knowledge-based business concepts. CAN BE gives preference to companies possessing or developing proprietary technologies but this is not the sole criteria for selection.

Certain service-oriented businesses, such as business/financial services, are not precluded from participation. While not the original plan for the center, past market trends have shown more entrepreneurs moving into the services industry within our area than tech-related fields. CAN BE is also uniquely suited for light manufacturing companies looking for manufacturing space.

The Innovation Center is currently limited from allowing businesses requiring extensive controlled environments, laboratories, hazardous materials usage/waste generation, process water/waste generation and noise generation. Businesses and start-ups within the food production industry are a challenge that we are actively seeking funding opportunities to accommodate but are unable to do so at this time.

It is the policy of CAN BE that a business plan be submitted to CAN BE and approved by the selection committee. The applicant will have an appropriate time frame in which to correct criticisms and/or shortcomings in the feasibility/business plan, during which time CAN BE can offer assistance.

The Business Plan should illustrate:

1. Sufficient operating resources or credible access to funding sources;
2. A product or service that reaches the commercialization stage within the residency period; and
3. Financial projections demonstrating a trend toward increased revenues and profitability;
4. Commercialization potential based upon the feasibility of the technology or business concept, market potential, management expertise and the potential for financial return;
5. A potential for the generation of jobs within three years of launch, spin-off job creation and increased community benefit/awareness;
6. An operational feasibility/business plan delineating tasks, milestones and cash flow projections. Assistance in business plan formation can be provided through CAN BE’s portfolio of services and/or partnerships.

 

1. The advisory committee will review business plan goals and objectives annually with the client company. The review is designed to offer support, positive reinforcement and feedback.
2. Each tenant is required to submit an annual financial report that will be reviewed by trained individuals. CAN BE shall provide direction to the client in event that problems are discovered. At its discretion, CAN BE can request that the client submit periodic financial reports where serious cash-flows issues exist, until improvement is demonstrated.
3. Each client is required to sign a one-year lease agreement. There is a maximum length of residency in the program that is typically three years, but in cases where the client needs a little more time, residency can be extended to up to five years. Official graduations are held for each client that successfully exits the program. Requests for extension are granted based on the participant’s continued and steady progress.
4. A commitment and willingness to accept guidance, and involvement is required of participants in the CAN BE program.
5. Participants must sign a service agreement contract and lease prior to entering into the incubator.

As businesses become self-sufficient enough to move out of the incubator and contribute to the economic growth of the region, other early-stage enterprises take their place. CAN DO Inc. will assist graduates in relocating to suitable space within the community.

1. Graduates are encouraged to continue drawing upon the mentoring/consulting/networking resources of the incubator director and client community and to recommend new clients.
2. Graduates must satisfy the program graduation reporting requirements and agree to follow up in the form of brief annual survey completion for a period of five years beyond graduation.