Economic Development
The Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to the tenets of regional sustainable development; a positive, long-term growth strategy focused on building per capita income and wealth while creating long-term opportunities for businesses and residents. Regional sustainable development advances growth that meets environmental quality attainment standards, and combats fragmented, inefficient land use planning and wasteful development patterns that can concentrate poverty and increase the costs to businesses and taxpayers alike. Our mission is to encourage economic development in Southwest Florida that cultivates a competitive, prosperous region that is diversified and durable over time.
If you are just starting a new business, you’re in good company as 80% of our 1150 members have 20 or fewer employees. Being entrepreneurial is part of the character of our community’s economic landscape. If during your research you’d like to review detailed economic data, spend some time with Florida Gulf Coast University’s monthly economic indicators report from the Regional Economic Research Institute. A resounding theme in every case is that businesses choose to incubate and grow in beautiful Bonita Springs because of the high quality of life and superior location for work, family life and play.
Whether you are a start-up or a well established business, our area has numerous local resources to support your new venture:
The Economic Development Office of Lee County (EDO)
EDC Business Start-up Guide 2008
EDC Business Resource Guide 2008
Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
The Small Business Development Center offers free, one-on-one confidential business counseling to assist the entrepreneur and small business owner. Representatives are available at the Bonita Springs Chamber offices the second and fourth Wednesday of the month. Please call 992-2943 for further details or an appointment. This non-profit is jointly funded by a partnership between the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Florida Gulf Coast University’s College of Business, on whose campus the SBDC is located.
Southwest Florida Enterprise Center (SWFEC)
Southwest Florida Enterprise Center was designed to be a learning laboratory for entrepreneurs wanting to start and operate a small business. It offers commercial, warehouse, and professional office space at competitive market rates.
Recent Related Articles
Economic Impact Study
Southwest Florida International Airport is an important contributor to the region’s social and economic well-being.
In 2005, the airport conducted an Economic Impact Study that found Southwest Florida International Airport generated more than $3.6 billion annually of direct and indirect revenue into the local economy as a result of airport operations. This was a 74 percent increase in contribution from a study conducted in 1999. At that time, the airport contributed $2 billion to the region’s economy. Read More