The CAN BE Innovation Center recently welcomed its newest client, Cap & Stem Life, LLC, a specialty mushroom business focused on growing gourmet mushrooms for local consumers, farmers markets, restaurants, and specialty products.
Founded by Susquehanna County native Nick Hitchcock, Cap & Stem Life was born from a career pivot driven by a passion for mushroom cultivation. After spending 25 years working in information technology and cybersecurity, Hitchcock began exploring mushroom cultivation as a hobby before discovering an opportunity to turn his passion into a business.
“I wanted to change things for a while,” Hitchcock said. “I started looking into the mushroom industry and realized there really wasn’t anyone doing what we’re planning to do in our immediate area.”
Cap & Stem Life plans to provide fresh gourmet mushrooms, including varieties such as lion’s mane, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms, while exploring future opportunities in value-added products such as mushroom tinctures and specialty wellness offerings.
As demand for locally sourced and specialty food products continues to grow, Hitchcock hopes to build relationships with local restaurants, farmers markets, and consumers throughout the Greater Hazleton Area. He also looks forward to connecting with fellow entrepreneurs at the Innovation Center and food-based businesses within the Hazleton Kitchen Incubator that may benefit from locally grown gourmet mushrooms.
Before joining the Innovation Center, Hitchcock and his wife, Andrea, struggled to find a suitable space that met the unique needs of their growing business. What began as a small-scale operation quickly evolved into plans for a dedicated growing facility designed to support future expansion.
“The support we’re receiving and the resources available have been a huge help as we continue to grow,” Hitchcock said. “Having so many people and resources available to support our business has made this a very positive experience.”
As a client of CAN BE, Cap & Stem Life has benefitted from affordable workspace, mentorship, networking opportunities, and business development resources designed to help entrepreneurs successfully launch, scale, and strengthen their businesses.
“One of the best parts of what we do at the CAN BE Innovation Center is supporting entrepreneurs as they pursue their dreams,” CAN DO Program Coordinator Ana Perez said. “Seeing Nick make a career change to follow his passion is incredibly inspiring. Learning about mushroom cultivation and hearing him speak so passionately about the process has been fascinating, and seeing the knowledge and dedication he brings to his work is truly impressive. As we work with him to build and grow his business, I’m also learning so much from him, and we’re excited to support him as he continues his entrepreneurial journey in the Greater Hazleton Area.”
Cap & Stem Life’s arrival at the CAN BE Innovation Center is another example of how the organization continues to support entrepreneurs with innovative ideas as they launch and grow their businesses in the region.
For more information about Cap & Stem Life, visit capandstem.life or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
If you are interested in starting a business of your own or want to learn more about the CAN BE Innovation Center, contact Ana Perez at aperez@hazletoncando.com
About CAN BE
CAN BE is a business incubator and entrepreneurship support initiative located in Greater Hazleton and an affiliate of CAN DO, Inc., focused on helping entrepreneurs launch, grow, and strengthen sustainable businesses throughout the region. Through the CAN BE Innovation Center, Hazleton Kitchen Incubator, mentorship, partnerships, and access to business development resources, CAN BE supports new and emerging ventures while fostering a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Greater Hazleton Area.
For more information, visit canbe.biz.
