In the news

Washington, D.C. – Small Business Majority released a scientific opinion poll that reveals most small business owners seek a more equitable playing field with larger competitors, particularly on digital platforms and in the area of contracts and agreements.  Even before the pandemic, large corporations maintained a stranglehold across all markets and industries. When many small…

Guest Commentary by Anne Zimmerman, Opinion Contributor While there has been a slew of recent positive news about our growing economy, inflation is commanding all our attention. Unfortunately for Main Street Mom-and-Pop businesses, many elected leaders are choosing to use this as a cudgel to bash their opponents rather than doing the hard work of…

FORT MYERS, Fla. — The Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) recently approved a tax increment rebate and development agreement for 2010 Hanson Street located in the Cleveland Avenue redevelopment area. The CRA approved a tax increment rebate in the not-to-exceed amount of $8.2 million for 2010 Hanson Street disbursed at 85 percent of increment…

FORT MYERS, FLA. – Gov. Ron DeSantis has appointed Kevin Karnes as Lee County Clerk of Court & Comptroller, filling the seat of retired Clerk Linda Doggett. Karnes is a 14-year veteran of the office and previously served as chief operating officer, overseeing approximately 300 employees in departments handling court services, finance and technology. He…

Award-winning architecture and design firm Studio+ has acquired TDM Architects, Inc., a full-service architectural and planning company founded in Los Angeles in 1994. Recently rebranded as Studio+, the firm has 30 years of expertise in education, including K-12 schools, higher education, religious, athletic, school modernization, child development centers, multifamily, senior housing modernization and aerospace. “The…

ORLANDO, Fla.  – On the heels of significant growth and expansion in 2021,  Cogent Bank has achieved another milestone – reaching $1 billion in assets.  Cogent continues to experience strong loan and deposit growth. The Bank’s total loans grew by 51% since 2020 and notably, specialty lending doubled in 2021.  Total deposits grew by 105% since 2020. Ranked as…

Ft. Myers, FL – Individuals who are thinking about starting their own business but need some mentoring are invited to apply to the Goodwill Southwest Florida MicroEnterprise Institute, scheduled for April 11 – May 19, 2022. The MicroEnterprise Institute is a six-week training program to help emerging entrepreneurs start new ventures and grow small businesses.…