The mission of the Hazleton Innovation Collaborative is to leverage the academic and research resources of Penn State and its community partners to nurture the growth of entrepreneurshipin the Greater Hazleton Area, and foster an entrepreneurial culture that will result in economic development, job creation, income growth, improved quality of life and student career success.

CAN BE, Inc. partners with several organizations to promote entrepreneurship and technological growth. These partners play a vital role in the daily operations of CAN BE, financially and through other support channels.

 

Penn State Hazleton offers a variety of educational and career opportunities as a branch campus of the Pennsylvania State University. Penn State’s international reputation for quality education opens many doors for students and alumni. Classes at Hazleton are generally small, and faculty and staff are able to give students individual attention. The campus is located on state Route 93, not too far from the CAN BE incubator.

 

Ben Franklin Technology Partners (BFTP) provides early-stage and established companies with funding, business and technical advice and access to important business resources to help them prosper in today’s knowledge-based economy. The organization seeks to further the development of technology in Pennsylvania while creating high-paying, sustainable jobs for residents of the state.

 

The Downtown Hazleton Alliance for Progress was founded to provide sustainable leadership, direction,and support for the successful, efficient revitalization and long-term success of downtown Hazleton. Its vision is to build a strong, competitive, and prosperous center for multicultural business growth, education, and entrepreneurship within Northeastern Pennsylvania that is enriched by a mix of new and existing retail shops and specialty services, casual and upscale dining and entertainment, and cultural institutions, events, and programs. 

 

The Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce contributes to its members' business success by providing them valuable information, services and networking opportunities, and by taking active measures to help them improve the business climate and quality of life in Greater Hazleton.

 

The Allan P. Kirby Center for Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship at Wilkes University encourages and enables students, faculty, staff, and community members to: launch and run the businesses of the future; understand the nature of free enterprise, value creation, and entrepreneurship through curricular and experience-based activities; develop, implement, and support programs that will enhance the entrepreneurial climate of Wilkes University and northeast Pennsylvania including specific efforts to support the redevelopment of downtown Wilkes-Barre, and foster dialogue on the imperative of pursuing the constitutional goals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness through the free enterprise system and entrepreneurship.
 

Wilkes University, through its Small Business Development Center, provides no-cost, confidential business consulting, training and education supported by strategic relationships and specialized programs through a team of experienced professional consultants dedicated and motivated to strengthen, enhance and empower the small business community.

 

tecBRIDGE was developed in response to a study commissioned by economic development organizations in Hazleton, Wilkes-Barre and Scranton. The study sought to better understand and address the structural obstacles that must be overcome in order for the region to make the transition to the 21st-century economy. tecBRIDGE and its partners from higher education, business and education strive to develop new business and contribute to the development of the growing regional knowledge-based economy of northeastern Pennsylvania.

 

SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals through education and mentorship. The organization has been doing this for more than fifty years. Because its work is supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and thanks to its network of 10,000 volunteers, SCORE is able to deliver its services at no charge or at very low cost. SCORE can provide: Volunteer mentors who share their expertise across 62 industries; free, confidential business mentoring in person, via email or by video; free business tools, templates and tips here online, and inexpensive or free business workshops (locally) and webinars (online 24/7).

 

The Northeast Pennsylvania Manufacturers and Employers Association (MAEA) provides information and services to help member companies remain competitive in today’s business world.  The services include legislative grassroots efforts, roundtables, networking events, trainings, consulting, group programs, regional wage and national benchmarking surveys and value-added free services to their member companies.

 

The Northeast PA Manufacturers and Employers Council’s (MAEC) mission is to provide programs and services that will develop a qualified workforce and competitive business community in Northeast Pennsylvania. We are proud to offer various workforce development initiatives that fulfil the purpose of providing information and resources for career awareness to many different populations. Some of these initiatives include the YES Northeast Certificate Program, The YES Northeast Workshop Series, and the Schuylkill County Career Fair. The organization was incorporated in 2006 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

 

The Hazleton LaunchBox, located at 13 W. Broad St. in Hazleton, is a no-cost startup accelerator and co-working space designed to provide early-stage startup companies with the support and resources needed to build a sustainable business and a viable plan for growth. It is open to community members and those affiliated with Penn State. 

 

Luzerne County Community College (LCCC) is an accredited public college offering 2-year associate of arts, associate of science, and associate of applied science degrees as well as certificates of specialization and diplomas in more than 100 academic major programs.

 

 

Lackawanna College is a private, accredited college serving the people of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Our main campus is located in downtown Scranton, and our footprint includes satellite centers in Covington Twp., Hawley, Hazleton, New Milford, Sunbury, and Towanda.