Winter 2025

Hello Michelle,

As we embrace Florida’s vibrant winter season and look ahead to the opportunities of 2025, the Office of Economic & Business Development is excited to share our completed Economic Development Strategic Plan, which will guide our efforts for continued growth and collaboration in the year ahead. More details about this important plan are included in this newsletter, and we’re eager to have you join us on this journey!

The start of a new year is a time for fresh opportunities, renewed goals, and building on the progress we’ve made. We’re committed to leveraging Cape Coral’s strengths and momentum, fostering a thriving business environment, and creating new opportunities for residents and entrepreneurs alike. Together, we can make 2025 a year of prosperity, progress, and growth for the City of Cape Coral.

In this edition, you’ll find updates on our latest initiatives, upcoming events, and resources designed to support our businesses and community. Let’s make 2025 a year of innovation, connection, and success.

As always, we encourage you to stay in touch and reach out if we can be of service.

Here’s to a healthy, happy, and prosperous New Year for all!

Sincerely,

Office of Economic & Business Development

Cape Coral by Numbers

• Cape Coral's Total Estimated Population = 224,455 (per the U.S. Census, 2024)

• Labor Force for November 2024 = 100,193 (per Data Commons)

• Unemployment Rate for November 2024 = 3.7% (per Florida Commerce)

Incentive Programs

• Demolition Assistance Grant Program (CRA)

• B2B - Breaking Barriers to Business Grant Program

• All Economic Development Incentives

• View EDO Project Map

Business Spotlight

Are you a local business in Cape Coral? Take advantage of our business spotlight!

Each week we promote one of our fantastic local businesses on social media. If you or someone you know owns a local business and would like to be featured, please reach out to apetersen@capecoral.gov 

Economic Development Strategic Plan

The City of Cape Coral is taking bold steps to ensure its economic future remains strong and sustainable. As we look ahead to a projected population of 375,000 by 2050, the recently completed Economic Development Strategic Plan will serve as our roadmap for navigating this growth and fostering long-term prosperity.

The specialized consultant, hired by the city to conduct the study included in the plan 50 key recommendations designed to guide the city’s economic development. These recommendations focus on recognizing the importance of tourism to the local economy, engaging higher education institutions as a catalyst for innovation and workforce development, and proposing a new urban model that promotes signature developments to create a distinct identity for the city.

This comprehensive plan not only identifies targeted industries and economic opportunities, but it also provides actionable insights to attract investment, drive development, and enhance the resilience of Cape Coral’s economy. With a strategic focus on these areas, we are laying the foundation for a thriving, diversified economy that will support the needs of our growing community for years to come.

We are excited to continue building on Cape Coral’s strengths and momentum. Together, we can make 2025 a year of innovation, growth, and success for the city. We encourage you to explore the opportunities that lie ahead with full details of the Economic Development Strategic Plan.

For more information, click here to view the Economic Strategic Plan presentation and additional details provided. 

Building Permits Issued

In the News

Best Food Cities in the US WalletHub Reports - Cape Coral ranked #103 overall and #34 for affordability.

Cape Coral Named Among Top Best Cities for Small Business by Gulfshore Business - Cape Coral ranked No. 13 in Coworking Cafe’s Top 20 Best Cities for Small Businesses study.

14 Best Bars Across Florida in 2024: See USA TODAY's Top Picks - Nice Guys, a locals favorite eatery, made the list of best bars in Florida for 2024.

These Two SW FL Cities Earned 'Best Fishing Towns' in Florida Status - According to a study by Fishing Booker, Cape Coral made the list for top fishing spots ranking 9 out of 15.

Cape Coral Tops the 2025 List for Best Cities for Snowbirds

Largest Lee County Land Deal Closes, $100M for 1,745 Acres in Northwest Cape Coral - Gulfshore Business

Get Connected at Our Invitation Only Industry Roundtable Meetings

The Office of Business & Economic Development has started hosting a monthly Business Roundtable meeting to connect with industry leaders and discuss challenges faced by the Cape Coral business community.

The forum provides an opportunity to consider the City’s economic outlook and industry-specific opportunities. 

Business & Industry Roundtable Schedule & Featured Topics:

• Friday, February 21 - 8 a.m. in City Hall - "Healthcare"
• Friday, March 21 - 8 a.m. at City Hall - "Commercial Real Estate"
• Friday, April 18 - 8 a.m. in City Hall - "Manufacturing"

For more details, contact apetersen@capecoral.gov.

Business Development Updates

Listed below is a snapshot of the newest projects currently in permitting or under construction. Stay tuned as we keep building Cape Coral’s future.

Big Nicks BBQ

870 SE 47th Terr.

• Tenant build-out
• Located within the Cove on 47th
• 1,359 sq ft restaurant space
• Building permit issued

Fred Anderson Toyota of Cape Coral

2025 NE Pine Island Rd.

• New construction
• Site permit issued
• Building permit under review
• 83,189 sq ft dealership

Oak & Stone

870 SE 47th Terr.

• Tenant builid-out
• Located within the Cove on 47th
• 8,240 sq ft restaurant space

House of Omelets

440 Cape Coral Pkwy E, Unit 2

• Tenant build-out
• Establishing its second Cape Coral location within Bimini Square
• 2,308 sq ft restaurant space

Zuly Dental Medicine

4636-4640 SE 9th Pl.

• Renovation
• Start-up of new dental practice
• 3,709 sq ft medical space

City of Cape Coral | CapeCoral.gov/EDO