Catch the Cape’ s entrepreneurial spirit with other savvy investors and business owners moving into the market.
The RightTime, The Ideal Place.
Catch the Cape’ s entrepreneurial spirit with other savvy investors and business owners moving into the market.
Cape Coral’ s greatest assets— ideal climate, abundant waterfront and low cost of living and doing business— are consistent factors fueling they city’ s positive economic trajectory. During the past year, Cape Coral has welcomed new business into the city, opened new commercial corridors, began drawing up exciting revitalization plans and been courting diverse target industries and sectors.
Entrepreneurs and business owners want to invest in Southwest Florida’ s quality of life and business environment. A healthy mix of home-based organizations, small businesses, and major national retailers line busy corridors and contribute to the Cape’ s robust entrepreneurial spirit. As the population expands and residential real estate begins to sizzle, the commercial market does, too.
“ Given the continued population growth and the fact that the commercial market is catching up, we see a tremendous opportunity to grow our commercial marketplace,” says Dana Brunett, director of the City of Cape Coral Economic Development Office.“ We have a growing population, and that’ s what businesses follow. I’ m excited about the opportunities before us. As we continue to grow, those opportunities will expand and we’ ll be in a position to take advantage of them.”
Commercial real estate expert Phil Deems, who’ s been in Cape Coral since 1975, says commercial investment follows residential trends by 12 to 18 months— and he’ s seeing a major uptick in both.“ We’ re seeing a lot of absorption by the trades. In the past, I could show you six or seven locations for the builder, landscaper,
capecoralchamber. com 24 plumber or electrician. Today, I would be able to show you only one or two location,” he says.“ That shows you the market is very much reflecting consumer confidence, which is very positive.”
The Expanding Market
Cape Coral— the third-largest city in Florida, spanning more than 120 square miles— is attractive to entrepreneurs for its market possibilities.
The opportunities lie in where Cape Coral is headed, and its future was mapped out with its development. The population is expected to reach more than 400,000 residents at build-out. Broad business opportunities abound in serving the needs of young families, retirees, veterans, overseas buyers and visitors. As the largest city between Tampa and Miami, Cape Coral’ s commercial tax base is at 8 percent, and 60 percent of the population commutes out of the city for work.
“ This is a great place for a business owner because we have a young, qualified workforce within the city limits,” Brunett says.“ Residents really want to support the