A free seminar and lunch will discuss the Southside Bethlehem Keystone Innovation Zone.

If you’re an entrepreneur or a technology-oriented business looking for ways to help your company thrive in the Lehigh Valley, then this upcoming seminar might just be perfect for you.

Lehigh University will host a free informative seminar and lunch on April 22 about the Southside Bethlehem Keystone Innovation Zone (KIZ) and Research and Development Tax Credits that could be available for companies located within the KIZ.

The seminar will be held at 12 noon at the Governor’s Suite on the second floor of Iacocca Hall at 111 Research Drive, Bethlehem. To register, contact Asher Schiavone at 610-865-4347 or via email.

The KIZ, administered by the Bethlehem Economic Development Corporation (BEDCO), is located within the 30-block central business district of Southside Bethlehem. Companies located within in are eligible for tax credits if the company is eight years old or less. A total of $25 million in funds are available for the KIZ tax credits.

Building or locating in the KIZ offers several benefits, including state-supported assistance through a number of DCED programs, as well as possible funding for eligible equipment for use in design centers, workforce, and education training programs.

Additionally, a R&D Tax Credit is available to businesses located within the KIZ boundaries. This credit is especially valuable to start-up companies which are engaged in research and development to bring their product or process to market.

The R&D tax credits that are not used by a business can be sold, creating a revenue source for a growing company. A total of $30 million in funds are available for the R&D tax credits.

The April 22 seminar is being organized by the city of Bethlehem and BEDCO, and is being sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and MVM Associates.