Bethlehem Economic Development Corporation

09/01/2026

Our September edition of the Bethlehem Keystone Innovation Zone (KIZ) SouthSide Connect Newsletter is now LIVE! 📬 https://wix.to/vgKA5iv

We’re sharing updates on the transition of our grant programs, highlighting the latest work at our incubator facility, and spotlighting an opportunity for KIZ companies to share their work and accomplishments.



City of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern PA

08/31/2026

“This is a tremendous vote of confidence in the City of Bethlehem. One of the best economic development outcomes a community can achieve is having an existing employer choosing to invest, expand, and grow right here in our city.”

08/25/2026

08/13/2026

In 1996, the SouthSide hosted its first ever annual chili taste-off as part of the “Spring on 4th, What’s on 3rd?” community festival in Bethlehem. It was a way to bring people together and celebrate local pride. It was also built entirely by a group of local volunteers and small businesses.

30 years later and through many changes, SouthSide Arts District is happy to carry on the tradition that is beloved by so many. 🧡

The 30th Annual ChiliFest will take place on SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17 in the SouthSide Arts District.

We’ve listened to your feedback and have decided to add a WHOLE HOUR onto the festival so you don’t have to rush on the chili trail!

Tastings will now run from 12-5 PM (previously 12-4 PM) across town at our local restaurants, bars, and businesses!

Tickets will be a fixed price and include a sampling of every competing chili (there are a lot!) and your very own iconic ChiliFest spoon!

So mark your calendars and save your appetites! We’ll be announcing more soon, including info on tickets, participating locations, music, and more in celebration of 30 Years…..

Stay spicy. 🫘🔥

08/11/2026

🎶 Musikfest may be over, but the Southside Bethlehem Ambassadors aren’t taking an encore break!

July brought plenty of action beyond the music - high winds, heavy rain, extreme heat, and even poor air quality. Through it all, our Ambassadors kept SouthSide looking its best. 🌳💨☀️

They cleared storm debris from sidewalks, hauled branches and leaves, and kept public spaces clean and welcoming - all while navigating the summer heat and smoky skies. The team cleared 6,500 lbs of trash and greeted over 3,000 visitors in July.

The festival may have packed up, but our Ambassadors keep the beat going year-round. 💛

City of Bethlehem, Lehigh University, The Bethlehem Parking Authority, County of Northampton, Community Action Development Bethlehem, Block by Block

08/06/2026

Free education for small businesses!

Through a partnership with the US Bank Foundation, Main Street America is hosting webinars for small business owners to help them gain the skills to access capital and build strong and sustainable ventures.

Join us for the next webinar, Business Plan Basics, coming up on Wednesday, August 19 at 3 p.m. ET.

Register now: https://bit.ly/49KrWlf

08/03/2026

Happy ! The Bethlehem Keystone Innovation Zone (KIZ) SouthSide Connect Newsletter for August 2026 is now live!

Learn more about Fall KIZ Student Internship grant opportunities, upcoming partner trainings, and recent KIZ company highlights!

City of Bethlehem

KIZ Updates

07/31/2026

Congratulations to our SouthSide Arts District program for the new "ART Stop" installation outside of Godfrey Daniels on 4th Street in South Bethlehem - just in time for Musikfest!

"We all had noticed that this sign was starting to develop graffiti and stickers, and so rather than taking it down, we decided to re-imagine it as an illustrative map to show people all of the treasures that SouthSide Arts District has for our local community," said Erin Zebertavage, SouthSide Arts District Manager.

Thank you to the artist, Danny Fi*****io, for his work: "Shining a light on all these organizations, whether it be the Touchstone Theater or what have you, to me, it's about celebrating those entities and bringing them to life."

Thanks also to the Lehigh Valley Chamber for supporting this installation through its Main Street grant program.

City of Bethlehem

07/24/2026

🐾 Bow Wow! 🐾

In the run-up to Musikfest, our Southside Bethlehem Ambassadors proved that community service comes in all shapes and sizes.

While traveling on the Southside, Operations Manager Sandy came across a stray pup who quickly earned the nickname "Toothers" thanks to his adorable two front teeth! 🦷🐶 Toothers quickly jumped into the passenger seat to enjoy some much needed AC (we're thinking about bringing him on part-time)!

A big thank you to the Bethlehem Police Department, Bethlehem, PA for working alongside our team to ensure Toothers was safely cared for and on his way to getting the help he needed.

Keeping the Southside welcoming means looking out for everyone - even our four-legged friends.


City of Bethlehem, Block by Block

07/22/2026

Reminder, responses are due Friday, July 24

The City is seeking support in the preparation and submission of an application to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (PA DCED) for renewal of the City’s Enterprise Zone (EZ) designation for an additional five (5) year term.

The City’s application will evaluate the outcomes achieved during the expiring EZ designation period and propose modifications for the subsequent term to better align with Bethlehem’s evolving conditions, needs, and emerging challenges.

The application will identify new targeted investment and development needs as well as implementation strategies to address those needs.

For qualified firms, please scan the QR code or visit the following link for more information: https://www.bethlehem-pa.gov/community-economic-development/economic-development/enterprise-zone/

Inquiries and questions, please email the City of Bethlehem’s Deputy Director of Economic Development, Sean Ziller, at [email protected].