Cape Coral | Page 30

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