Start Up Funding

Keystone Innovation Zone (KIZ) Tax Credit Program

An incentive program that provides tax credits to for-profit companies less than eight years old operating within specific targeted industries within the boundaries of a Keystone Innovation Zone (KIZ).  With a total pool of up to $15 million in tax credits available to KIZ companies annually, the KIZ tax credit program significantly contributes to the ability of young KIZ companies to transition through the stages of growth.

Applications must be submitted on or before September 15 of each year.

Tax credits must be applied against the tax liability of a KIZ company for the tax year in which the KIZ Tax Credit was issued. Unused KIZ Tax Credits may applied against the tax liability of the KIZ company for up to five years from date the KIZ Tax Credit is issued or may be reassigned/sold to another taxpayer.

Venture Chesco

Venture Chesco has allocated $4 million to invest in emerging and growing companies located in, committed to locating in, or with significant business presence in Chester County. The fund is composed of $2 million in County funds matched by $2 million in Ben Franklin funds that will be used to invest in new technology companies and existing companies looking to apply new technologies to their business operations.

Ben Franklin will help identify companies and technologies suitable and appropriate for funding, and manage the process of assessing the companies and the technologies for possible investment from the Venture Chesco fund. Venture Chesco fills a critical early stage funding gap in the growth cycle of Chester County’s young companies and companies looking to apply technology to improve business performance. For progress toward Chester County’s Vista 2025 goals, this fund will help add to the growing innovation culture in the county.