Grow with us.
Build your business
in Greater Hazleton.
About Us
About Hazleton CAN BE
Hazleton CAN BE is a local business incubator dedicated to helping entrepreneurs start, grow, and strengthen their businesses in the Greater Hazleton area. We support new and early-stage ventures during the moments when guidance, resources, and access matter most.
Whether you’re launching a new idea, expanding a home-based business, or growing an existing company, CAN BE provides practical support — including business advice, access to financing resources, and connections to technical and professional services — all in a supportive, growth-focused environment.
Businesses that grow within an incubator are more likely to succeed long term, and our goal is simple: help entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses that contribute to a stronger local economy.
Services
How we help you grow
We provide practical support for entrepreneurs at every stage — from affordable space to guidance, resources, and connections that help businesses move forward.
Facilities
Affordable office, light manufacturing, and shared-use space.
Support Services
Shared tools, technology, and day-to-day operational support.
Business Development
Guidance and training to help you plan and grow your business.
Financial
Help connecting to funding opportunities and KIZ resources.
Legal
Access to legal guidance and reduced-fee services.
Client Spotlight
Built with support.
Growing with confidence.
How It Works
A simple path for
support and growth
Apply or reach out
Tell us about your business idea or current operation. Not sure where you fit yet? That’s okay — we’re happy to start with a conversation.
Meet with our team
We’ll talk through your goals, challenges, and what kind of support makes the most sense for your business.
Start growing
From space and resources to guidance and connections, we’ll help you access the support you need to move forward.
Our Partners
Built with support.
Growing with confidence.
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.
News
From the CAN BE
Innovation Center
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions?
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.
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.
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.
The application process involves several steps:
- Initial Inquiry: Interested businesses can reach out to us for more information about the incubator and its offerings.
- Application Submission: Applicants must complete an application form, which includes providing a business plan and financial projections.
- Review Process: Our team will review the application to assess the business’s fit with our incubator’s mission and resources.
- Interview: If the application meets our criteria, candidates may be invited for an interview to discuss their business in more detail.
- Decision: After the interview, the selection committee will make a decision. Successful applicants will receive an acceptance letter outlining the next steps.
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, you can visit the incubator before applying. Just make an appointment with either Ana Perez (aperez@hazletoncando.com) or Nico Makuta (nmakuta@hazletoncando.com).
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.
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.
Yes, both a business plan and financial projections are mandatory for the application, but they may be assessed on a case-by-case basis.