Berwick, Luzerne County, PA -
The Rural Business Innovation Corporation (RBI) has received the approval from Pennsylvania's Department of Community and Economic Development to expand the geographic footprint of the Greater Susquehanna Keystone Innovation Zone or KIZ program.
The KIZ brings more opportunities for entrepreneurs and start-ups
to set up and grow their businesses in Berwick.
The KIZ program must have a University/Research Partner in order to qualify an area for a zone. Berwick Industrial Development Association and RBI could not have accomplished this zone expansion project without the support and involvement of Bloomsburg University.
B.I.D.A. and Berwick Next Steps assisted in the designation of a new zone in Berwick that offers innovative entrepreneurs manufacturing space and contains a variety of office spaces within the main hub of activity in the heart of Berwick.
There are eligibility requirements to become a KIZ designated business:
- Business must be less than eight (8) years old; located in a designated zone and working in an approved industry sector.
- Qualifying businesses have the potential to be awarded up to $100,000 in tax credits during their third year in the program.
- Entrepreneurs also gain access to the intellectual capital in the higher education network which includes Bloomsburg and Bucknell Universities as well as Lackawanna College, to develop their products or business with guidance in commercialization and tech transfer.
“This program was developed to provide start-ups with a financial incentive. You get what you put into it. The program only benefits companies who have proven themselves through success,” says Ms. Craig.
With backing from the educational partners and additional support from Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeast Pennsylvania, Berwick Industrial Development Association (B.I.D.A.), First Columbia Bank & Trust, First Keystone Community Bank, Northumberland County Industrial Development Authority, Service 1st Federal Credit Union, and local State Representatives David Millard, Kurt Masser and Lynda Schlegel Culver, the resources are in place to assist entrepreneurs and business start-ups.
B.I.D.A. is proud to be a part of this program and our ability to assist in the support and sustainability of the program for our region and Berwick in particular.
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“B.I.D.A. currently supports existing business and industry through retention and recruitment efforts, this partnership gives B.I.D.A. a greater opportunity to work on a grassroots level. Our community deserves to have the support system in place to develop and grow their ideas in order to create local ventures,” states Ms. O'Brien
For more information or access to the KIZ program, business consulting services and other financial incentive programs do not hesitate to contact B.I.D.A. by calling 570-752-3612 or by e-mail at
info@bida.com
To see if your business qualifies for the KIZ program contact RBI at 570-245-0096 or by e-mailing
info@ruralbusinessinnovation.org
