KIZ Overview
To encourage new business development and growth, HCBI has received designation as a Keystone Innovation Zone (KIZ). Businesses involved in information technology and life sciences are encouraged to locate and grow within the zone. A primary focus of the KIZ designation is to support collaborative projects between community entrepreneurs and Juniata students and faculty members.
"Between 1995 and 2000, about 30,000 Pennsylvania graduates migrated to other states, taking their talent and training with them," former Deputy Secretary of Community and Economic Development Richard Overmoyer stated. The assistance the KIZ program offers is a way "to harness energy and ideas" before the graduates leave the state. Tim Schrack, HCBI President (2005 - 2007) said that since its founding in 1876, Juniata College has been linked to the community, but, "there has not always been an easy way for the business developers and inventors of the county to interact with the resources available at the college." With the KIZ program in place, those interactions are now taking place.
The KIZ designation provides new businesses with a variety of participation incentives, including tax credits, personalized support, interactive workshops and preferential access to DCED business financing programs.
If you are interested in learning more about the KIZ, please contact the HCBI KIZ Coordinator at kiz@hcbi.com.