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