New Cape Coral Businesses
75 new businesses registered for Cape Coral Tax Receipts
(Business Licenses)
in December, 2012.
Visit the EDO website's
Download Center
for listings of all new
Cape Coral business license registrations in the last six months.
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CCIM
Real Estate
Outlook Conference
This annual meeting provides trends and market outlooks by the Southwest Florida commercial realtor community. EDO Director Dana Brunett will speak about economic development trends in Cape Coral.
January 24, 2013
8:00 am to 12:00 pm
Harborside Event Center
1375 Monroe Street Fort Myers
View Flyer
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Home Improvement Trend
Cape Coral's
housing economy strengthened throughout 2012.
The average price of homes sold topped $200,000 five times since March.
The lowest point was in March at $148,343. The highest point was in September at $237,541.
(Source: capecoral.com)
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Cape Coral
A 2013 Top Vacation Rental Spot
Vacation rental website FlipKey has released search data revealing its top reservation requests for 2013. Of the top 10 destinations in FlipKey's network, seven are in the Sunshine State. Kissimmee sits at the top of the list, followed by Gulf Coast destinations Naples, Siesta Key and Marco Island. Cape Coral (No. 7), Key West (8) and Holmes Beach (10) are rounding out Florida's spots in the top ten.
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Liberty Group Purchases
Hampton Inn
The Clearwater-based Liberty Group has acquired the Hampton Inn & Suites in downtown Cape Coral.
Liberty Group President and Chief Operating Officer Punit Shah said in a written statement: "The Southwest Florida market continues to demonstrate significant resurgence and economic recovery."
Liberty Hospitality Management, an affiliated entity of the Liberty Group, will manage the hotel, which features 75 guest rooms and suites, an outdoor pool, fitness center, 2,000 square feet of meeting room space and an atrium-style great room.
The Liberty Group plans to invest roughly $500,000 to renovate the hotel in mid-2013.
(Source: The Tampa Bay Business Journal, 01-14-13)
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New Business Chats
EDO and SBDC staff
will resume the new Business Chat sessions on January 23rd, 2013, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at City Hall, Room 220 A.
Take advantage of the free informational meetings for answers and useful advice for successfully doing business
in Cape Coral.
Reservations are not needed, but appreciated.
Call (239) 574-0444
or email us.
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Economic Development on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for the latest Economic Development News.
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Contact Us | |
Cape Coral Economic Development Office
Dana Brunett
Audie Lewis
Karen Ramos
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Visit our Website
City of Cape Coral
Economic
Development
Office
 | | Click on the image to visit our website. |
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Economic Development News
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Message From Your EDO Director
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Photo: Fucillo Kia of Cape Coral employees.
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I've Got
My Shades On!
At the first annual Catch the Vision event late last year the chorus for the popular 80's tune by Timbuk3 "The Future's So Bright, I Have to Wear Shades" was playfully bandied about as we discussed the Future of Cape Coral. Well, here we are in 2013 and the Mayan's were wrong, so I actually have to prepare a work plan. But, that's okay because for the first time in a long while there is a light at the end of the tunnel and it's very bright, so bright in fact that I've got my shades on!
There is a tremendous amount of new activity in Cape Coral. New housing starts are up, model homes are being built, housing values are starting to tick back up and commercial activity has increased as well. New business licenses are up 48% from October 2011 to October 2012, existing commercial spaces are starting to get rented out, new retail establishments are starting to crop up, the new VA Clinic has opened its doors and new projects in our EDO office are up over 300% since I started here 15 months ago.
I'm extremely excited about the opportunities in front of us here in Cape Coral and I fully expect that trend to continue. I'm not alone in that thought. Forbes magazine in their January 2013 issue, called the Cape Coral-Fort Myers MSA the number one spot in the U.S. for job growth in 2013. I guess what I'm trying to say is if you don't own some sunglasses, you best acquire a pair fast!
Sincerely,
Dana Brunett
City of Cape Coral
Economic Development Director
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2012 A Cause for Celebration and Renewed Inspiration
Wow - what a difference one year makes. If 2012 was any indication, then the City of Cape Coral has a lot to look forward to this year. From an Economic Development Office (EDO) perspective, we received high rankings during the last year, earned some prestigious awards and certainly paved the way for expectations related to another record year in 2013.
For instance, in 2012, our metropolitan area was selected as the Best Mid-Sized City for Job Growth, one of the 200 Best Places for Business and Careers in the nation, among the 25 Best Places to Retire and Cape Coral placed as one of the Top Digital Cities in the nation.
Plus, let's not forget that Florida was recently ranked as the Number 2 Best State for Business and the 5th Best State for Taxes.
All of that is already incredible news, but consider that 1,918 new business received licenses for the City of Cape Coral and the EDO received a record number of new leads - the most projects on record (145) for the EDO and the potential to add more than 5,000 jobs to the marketplace over the next several years.
Now you can begin to see why we so strongly believe that 2013 is a time for celebration, renewed inspiration and hope for an even greater economic recovery this year. But, please don't forget...we always need more leads...keep them coming in 2013!
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Mark your calendars! The Cape Coral Economic Development Office (EDO) is in full swing, preparing for the 3rd Veterans Investment Zone (VIZ) Forum. The new VA Healthcare Center is now serving veterans from the five-counties in the heart of the VIZ, so this year's event promises to pack even more "critical punch" with an agenda sure to please investors, developers and anyone interested in Southwest Florida business opportunities. Topics this year will include: - Profiting from Developing within the Veterans Investment Zone
- Customized Incentives Targeted for Area Development
- Visionary Projections and Realities for the VIZ
- Financial Resources for Investors and Developers
- Operational Success Update from the Regional VA Clinic
- Integration of Wounded Warrior Programs into VIZ Concept
The EDO team will also share some very tangible resources with the attendees, to help with attracting development projects into the VIZ. This year's event will be held on Thursday, February 28th, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Cape Coral Yacht Club. There will be a limited number of event sponsorship tables/booths available for businesses and organizations wanting to participate and showcase their VIZ related services and/or products. The cost for sponsorship will be $75 per table, limited to the first ten responders. Interested parties should contact the EDO at (239) 574-0444 for information, registration, and/or sponsorship opportunities. Be on the lookout for more details in our February newsletter. Click here to learn more about the Cape Coral VA Healthcare Center. |
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EDO New Business Chats Continue
Whether you are a newly licensed business or have been in operation for some time, there is always something new to learn at the EDO's monthly New Business Chats. The informal meetings are scheduled every fourth Wednesday from 11:30 - 1:30 p.m. at City Hall in Room 220A.
This program provides information for new and current business owners about how to lead a successful business in Cape Coral. Topics include licensing, organizational structures, business plans, financial statements, marketing, and SBA loans. The EDO team is supported by Florida Gulf Coast University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) staff to answer questions and provide resources.
"First of all, we want to welcome these new businesses to Cape Coral and give them an opportunity to ask questions to make their start here easier," said Karen Ramos, Business Development Specialist for the EDO. "We want businesses to view us as a resource for growth."
The first year is usually the hardest for new businesses as they struggle to get the business off the ground. Often, business owners have questions but don't know who to call to receive good advice. "Many first-year mistakes can be avoided if business owners can speak with an expert," said Amanda Stirn, certified business analyst with the SBDC. "We are here to give them answers and follow up to see how they're doing."
For more information, call EDO at 239-574-0444 or the SBDC at 239-573-3727. You can also reach us by email. For more information about the City of Cape Coral Economic Development Office, please visit our website.
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SBDC Business Tip:
Reviewing Your Business Plan
 New Year, same business, revised planning, and yes this includes the business plan. Regardless whether you are a new or existing business, now is an excellent time to reflect on the milestones and maybe missed goals of 2012 with a fresh perspective.
The best way to do this is to either write a new business plan or dust off an existing one. Focus on what worked for you in 2012 and what performed less than expected. This may include an in-depth look at marketing campaigns, customer retention, increased technology, better efficiency, and the most important one: a profitable bottom line.
The SBDC in Cape Coral encourages both existing businesses and aspiring new entrepreneurs to take advantage of the services offered at the SBDC. All SBDC business consulting includes ongoing no-cost, confidential, one-on-one business assistance. Let us show you the possibilities in making 2013 a landmark year for your business.
Highlights for the first quarter of 2013 at the SBDC in Cape Coral include QuickBooks webinars, FAQ's on starting a business, one-on-one QuickBooks training, continued New Business Chat's, hosted by the City of Cape Coral, EDO as well as hands-on business planning and marketing seminars.
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South Cape is Open for Business | |
Photo: John Michael's Fine Jewelry
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South Cape is home to a growing number of distinctive businesses that create a special shopping, dining and entertainment experience. Helen Ramey, CRA Economic Development Manager,reports that in 2012, 109 new businesses opened in the South Cape CRA and 26 existing businesses either relocated within the CRA boundaries or changed ownership. "The new businesses created 168 new jobs, and the relocation or change of ownership of existing businesses retained 109 jobs in South Cape," said Ramey, and she adds, "The 135 businesses involved consisted of 11 restaurants, 28 retail and 96 professional or personal service establishments." Here is a sampling of relocated or new businesses in South Cape:
John Michael's Fine Jewelry has recently relocated to a larger location with excellent visibility on Cape Coral Parkway with convenient street parking and ample parking in the City's public parking lot. "It was important to stay in South Cape," said owner John Michael Glorioso. "We are family-owned and operated, and we have been established here since 1986." Nevermind Awesome Bar & Eatery is new to South Cape. Business partner Brittany Bowman explored the local dining scene before making the investment. She said, "We are part of the evolution. Recent South Cape establishments are getting away from corporate philosophies, and as a result, we are starting to see a younger, more exciting energy here." Maria's Pasticceriais another new business that draws our attention. "If you like Italian pastries, fresh stuffed breads, or you need a cake for a special occasion," said owner Carmela Indellicuti, "we would be happy to help you." Opened in October in the former Pete's Philly Cheese Steak location, this authentic Italian bakery also provides gourmet coffee. We can't wait to visit the new South Cape businesses! |
Tell Us
We welcome your input and ideas about articles and information you would like to see in the monthly
EDO eNewsletter.
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