Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Williamsport/Lycoming KIZ?

The Williamsport/Lycoming KIZ assists local entrepreneurs and start-up companies with implementing an innovative idea by providing one-on-one coaching to help develop ideas and bring them to fruition. KIZ can link clients to a wide range of resources to help develop a pathway for your idea. KIZ is your mentor and “idea partner.”

KIZ facilitates partnerships between community players, service providers, economic development organizations and educational institutions who provide clients with services for development, innovation, and growth.

Who can work with the Williamsport / Lycoming KIZ?

• Any entrepreneur/inventor residing in Lycoming County intending to start a business focused on innovative product or new technology development.

• Start-up companies (less than 8 years old) located in a Williamsport/Lycoming KIZ designated “Zone” interested in implementing an innovative concept. Industry focuses of start-up companies must be manufacturing or information technology.

• Current registered students or faculty members at Lycoming College or Pennsylvania College of Technology.

Not sure if your idea “fits” into the KIZ criteria? Contact the KIZ to find out – it never hurts to ask!

How can the Williamsport / Lycoming KIZ help me?

• Personal coaching, support and project management to help you organize what you need to do to make your dream a reality

• Qualified KIZ clients can receive project grant money, internship funding, and access to additional financing, services, and tax incentives to help you make better business decisions - improving your chances of success!

• The KIZ will help you develop a pathway to follow, and will help you develop a strategy and identify next steps

• Access to a full spectrum of service providers to support your efforts and further develop your innovation ideas and goals, including college research experts and students, design engineers, market and industry researchers, business consultants and patent attorneys
  

• Step-by-step assistance and links to useful resources at appropriate times

• Training and learning opportunities to help make things like product development easier to understand

• Networking opportunities

• Existing manufacturers can also receive services and assistance from the IMC, Inc.

Why should I locate my business in the “Zone”?

• Available incubator, manufacturing and technology ready space

• State tax credits for eligible business startups and companies in business less than 8 years

• An opportunity to locate your business near other like-minded entrepreneurs

• Priority status in additional state programming

• Priority status with partner resources and services

• PLUS all the additional advantages to being a KIZ Client

Where is the “Zone”?

The Williamsport/Lycoming Keystone Innovation Zone requires KIZ qualified start up companies to locate their businesses in one of 5 designated zones in the Williamsport area:

• The Industrial Park area (Reach Road) in the City of Williamsport, Lycoming County

• The Central Business District of Williamsport

• The Trimtex complex on Park Avenue

• The Liberty Mutual Building located at 1500 Sycamore Road

• The new Center for Business and Workforce Development, where the KIZ offices now reside

KIZ clients who are located in or locating in the Zone receive additional benefits through the KIZ program.

What makes KIZ unique?

• The Williamsport/Lycoming KIZ is the only program to offer timely assistance in an approachable, no strings attached format

• We offer unbiased help at developing innovative ideas and products in our area. We're open-minded to all ideas and concepts!

• Provide undivided, individual attention to all clients

• Encourages creativity and entrepreneurialism

• Provides access to our institutional partners, Lycoming College and Pennsylvania College of Technology, and their faculty and students

• Utilizes all key partners and their core services and capabilities

• Focuses on our area's strength in manufacturing and industry

• Helps to build our local community and economy – job creation and retention, new company startups and business growth are just a few examples

How can I get my company qualified for KIZ?

The Williamsport/Lycoming KIZ is willing to work with any company or entrepreneur who intends to locate their manufacturing or technology start-up business in the Zone.  The KIZ follows a qualification process which includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Company must fit the three main criteria of the KIZ program. 
  

1. Operate (or have tangible plans to operate) within the designated KIZ geographical area

2. Must be in a targeted industry segment for our KIZ:  Diversified Manufacturing, Plastics, Wood Products, or Information Technology

3. Business must be incorporated less than eight years ago

• Company must complete a KIZ Eligibility Questionnaire as outlined below.

• Company must complete, sign and return a KIZ Eligibility Questionnaire to the KIZ Coordinator for review.  Contact the KIZ Coordinator for a copy of the questionnaire and if you have any questions.
  

• Company must meet all other requirements of the program.  This currently includes, but is not limited to, a reporting/update requirements twice a year (mid-year and end-of-year) to the state on the progress of your company.  Other requirements may be added without prior notice.
  

• Not meeting requirements of the program will affect the company's KIZ designation and access to grant opportunities and the KIZ Tax Credit Program.  

KIZ will then evaluate the information and make a qualification decision.  Once a company is qualified for KIZ, the company can take advantage of our programs.

I'm an inventor/entrepreneur, not an established company. How can I qualify for KIZ help?

The majority of our clients are inventor entrepreneurs who are developing products and technologies, and we are helping them through development and into business start-up.  Individuals who fit the following criteria will qualify to work with the Williamsport/Lycoming KIZ:

1. You live in Lycoming County  (or you are a current student or faculty member at Lycoming College or Pennsylvania College of Technology).

2. You are developing an innovative product or technology in one of our targeted industry segments of Diversified Manufacturing, Plastics, Wood Products, or Information Technology.

3. You intend to start a business in the KIZ.

4. You are willing to provide the KIZ with information as requested.

5. You are open minded to ideas, suggestions and feedback.