The Greater Susquehanna Keystone Innovation Zone (GSKIZ)
What is the Greater Susquehanna Keystone Innovation Zone (GSKIZ)?
The GSKIZ fosters local job growth by aiding entrepreneurs, newly formed startup companies, and mature companies to identify and capitalize on new ideas and opportunities. This zone creates a "knowledge neighborhood" in which educational institutions, economic developers, businesses, capital sources and community leaders can connect with one another quickly and effectively to provide a network of support and resources. This program ensures that Pennsylvania's ideas continue to be developed into positive economic activity.
Who are the Primary Partners with GSKIZ?
- Ben Franklin Technology Partners Northeast Pennsylvania (BFTP)
- Bloomsburg University
- Bucknell University
- Columbia Alliance for Economic Growth
- Geisinger Health Systems (Geisinger Ventures)
- Susquehanna University
Where is the GSKIZ located?
The Zone consists of five separate locations or sub-zones. Two GSKIZ sub-zones are located in Danville, one sub-zone is in Lewisburg, one is in Bloomsburg which includes the Bloomsburg Regional Technology Center, and one is in Selinsgrove.
What does Bloomsburg University provide?
As one of GSKIZ's primary partners, Bloomsburg University provides academic, research, and education resources for economic and workforce development. Institute for Interactive Technologies is a research and development group focusing on emerging interactive learning technologies, and is a consortium of faculty, staff and graduate students in Bloomsburg University's Department of Instructional Technology.
Oversight responsibility for the coordination and operation of the GSKIZ.
Bloomsburg University's IIT has a physical presence in the Bloomsburg Regional Technology Center with staff on-site to assist companies housed there.
Who can work with the GSKIZ?
Any entrepreneur, start-up company, mature business, or company who relocates into any of the defined GSKIZ sub-zones could qualify. The company must operate in one of the following industries and be less than 8 years old.
Applicable Industry Sectors:
- Information Technology
- Life Sciences and Biotechnology
- Healthcare Services
- Wood Products
- Diversified Manufacturing (food processing, plastics, modular housing)
Note: Companies greater than 8 years old will need to spin-off of a new division or create a new subsidiary to be eligible to become a GSKIZ client.
How does GSKIZ help companies?
- Access to incentive funding (KIZ Micro Startup Grant, Internship Salary Grant, Rent Assistance Grant)
- Low cost incubator space
- Creating partnerships with university faculty and research facilities
- Student internship program
- Up to $100K/year in transferable tax credits
- Startup and project management assistance
- Access to incubation type services including help developing a business plan, marketing plan, project planning, and patent filing
- Access to KIZ sponsored training and seminars
- Networking opportunities
Learn more about the Greater Susquehanna Keystone Innovation Zone.
Return to Bloomsburg University's Economic Development main page.