2017 with the addition of a 35,000-squarefoot conference center located at Marina Village near The Westin Hotel at Tarpon Point, able to host about 1,000 people. The project was supported through an economic incentives package involving city and county officials. Brunett conservatively estimates it will have a $ 33 million economic impact over the next three years.“ It’ s really a winwin situation for everyone,” Brunett says.
If you’ re seeking to open a business in the life sciences, green industries, health care, light manufacturing or corporate headquarters related to IT, finance, insurance or professional services, you’ ve chosen a targeted industry in the Cape.“ We are targeting corporate office, back office and medical-related businesses in addition to clean, light manufacturing,” says Brunett.“ We continue to recruit certain retail stores that could benefit the residents of Cape Coral.”
In addition to the business assistance provided by the city’ s Customer Advocacy Program, which helps people navigate the permitting process, Florida Gulf Coast University’ s Small Business Development Center has an office near Cape Coral City Hall, providing free business counseling and workshops.
“ We certainly believe Cape Coral is in the best position to welcome and encourage business investment,” says Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce President / CEO Donna Schuman Germain.
Veteran’ s Clinic Creates Opportunities for Health Care
The opening of the $ 131 million Lee County V. A. Healthcare Clinic is expected to fuel growth in the northeast part of Cape Coral. The 220,000-square-foot clinic, near Diplomat Parkway and Corbett Road, serves more than 1,000 veterans daily and employs more than 450 doctors, nurses, technicians and other personnel.
The Veterans Investment Zone, created by the Cape Coral Economic Development Office, promotes the 430-plus acres of undeveloped land within a mile of the VA Clinic, mostly large parcels for big projects and some small parcels available for development.
“ We’ re trying to support medical-related businesses, which often offer better-paying jobs and necessary services,” Brunett says.“ We’ re seeing a higher percentage of retirees and residents are bringing their parents to be closer to them in Florida.”
Opportunities are available for medical clinics and offices, assisted-living facilities, patient / family support services and wellness providers, as well as light manufacturing and biotech companies. The nearby $ 13 million Cape Coral Army Reserve Center on 15 acres is another draw.
“ Taking care of baby boomers is an industry that’ s surging nationwide,” says Germain, noting that AARP estimates that 10,000 boomers a day will be turning 65— retirement age— for the next 14 years.
Cape Coral by the Numbers
Location
10 miles to Interstate 75 16 miles to Southwest Florida International Airport
Workforce
More than half of the Cape’ s population is aged 25 to 64, with 77.6 percent over age 18. Median age is 42 About 17 percent of the population is older than 65.
Income
Average household income is $ 51,407
Education
Half the population has at least some college education or a degree. More than one-fifth holds an undergraduate or advanced degree.
Source: U. S. Census Bureau
“ The supplementary growth in population and services in all industries that will likely occur is potentially phenomenal.”
In fact, Cape Coral ranked as the No. 2 metro in the nation for projected growth, much of it centered on its increasing baby boomer presence, according to Moody’ s Analytics.( Florida is home to six of the top 10 metro areas when it comes to the highest
forecasted employment growth.)
Welcome, Veterans
Cape Coral welcomes U. S. military veterans: It’ s evident wherever you look.
The Lee County V. A. Healthcare Clinic and 15-acre Cape Coral Army Reserve Center are two obvious examples. The clinic sees 1,000 patients each day from Lee and surrounding counties. The Army Reserve Center employs two dozen fulltime soldiers and civilians, and is expected to be visited by 325 soldiers for training on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Tool down Cape Coral Parkway, and you won’ t miss the elegant Military Tribute Banners honoring local soldiers who have served or are currently serving in the armed forces. The soldiers’ banners rotate every three months, and the program is coordinated by the local nonprofit, Invest in America’ s Veteran’ s Foundation, which assists veterans with their needs. Cape Coral has become an official“ Purple Heart City,” which means that as a city, it will officially honor Cape Coral veterans who were injured or lost their lives during service in the military. The Invest in America’ s Veteran’ s Foundation runs the Southwest Florida Military Museum & Library, the largest military museum in Southwest Florida. It has become a social hotspot with morning coffee klatches, lunches, speakers, outings and regular live musical entertainment. The library and museum are located at 4820 Leonard Street in South Cape( 239-541-8704).
Veterans seeking to start a business should consult the FGCU Small Business Development Center’ s Cape Coral office to find out about government aid and other business programs designed specifically for vets. The location is 1020 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral( 239-573-2737). capecoralchamber. com 28