FAQs

• 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!

• 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 Williamsport Lycoming KIZ Company Eligibility Questionnaire as outlined below.

And are there any requirements of me if I am qualified as a KIZ Company?

• Company must complete, sign and return a Williamsport Lycoming KIZ Company Eligibility Questionnaire to the KIZ Coordinator for review.  Contact the KIZ Coordinator 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 requirement twice a year (mid-year and end-of-year) to the state on the progress of your company. WLKIZ Companies must also obtain a DUNS number from Dun & Bradstreet. 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.
• The KIZ Coordinator 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.

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 WLKIZ.
4. You are willing to provide the WLKIZ with information as requested.
5. You are open minded to ideas, suggestions and feedback.