In the news
Small Business Group: $150,000 Cap on EIDL Loans Imperil Small Business Owners’ Ability to Survive
Statement by Shaundell Newsome, Co-chair of Small Business for America’s Future and Chair of the Las Vegas Urban Chamber of Commerce, about the SBA’s shortsighted $150,000 cap on Economic Injury Disaster Loans Washington, D.C., Aug. 3, 2020—For nearly seven decades, the Small Business Administration’s disaster relief program has helped companies recover from catastrophes, but during what…
Read MoreImportant Alert Regarding SBA Website
Oh behalf of John Talmage (Director of Lee County Economic Development) and Brian Hamman (Lee County Commissioner) by Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Email The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is currently tracking an unknown malicious cyber actor who is spoofing the Small Business Administration (SBA) COVID-19 relief webpage via phishing emails. These…
Read MoreNational Restaurant Association Advocacy Alert
Did you know that restaurant operators who had Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loans forgiven may lose some key tax deductions, creating a surprise tax liability and that the majority of restaurants might not be eligible for a new round of PPP funding? These two critical issues are why you need to act now. As Congress tries…
Read MoreStronger together: Bonita Chamber becomes SWFL Inc., launches freemium business membership
BONITA SPRINGS, FL (August 4, 2020) The Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce, a premier business services organization since 1953, has launched a new membership model to better serve businesses in Lee, Collier and Charlotte Counties, and a new name to reflect its regional reach – SWFL Inc. “We are ecstatic to share our new,…
Read MoreLee Commissioners approve next round of LeeCARES assistance programs
Fort Myers, FL, Aug. 4, 2020 – The Lee Board of County Commissioners today authorized the next round of LeeCARES programs to assist individuals, families and businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Board approved plans to: Launch Round 2 of LeeCares Assistance for individuals and families providing for broader eligibility and increased award amounts…
Read MoreLee Clerk now offers virtual lines for court services
Last week, we launched ClerkExpress, a new service that allows you to check-in via text message to avoid waiting in the lobbies for court services. While we encourage you to use our online services, if that is not possible, ClerkExpress is a new option to avoid long lines in the lobby. Before you leave your house,…
Read MoreCollier County Executive Order on Masks
Collier County Executive Order 2020-05 Please click above to see a copy of the Executive Order on masks passed on July 21, 2020.
Read MoreCARES Act COVID-19 Relief Funding for Non-Profits, Healthcare and Public Safety
On Monday, July 27, 2020 the Community Health Services Sector Applications ONLY will be processed. To apply go to the CARES Act website at www.CollierFLCares.com. As a reminder, public application portals for each sector will open in the following order: Community Health & Services Sector Application Portal Applications will begin in this sector on Monday, July 27 through…
Read MoreThe United States Census Bureau Needs Your Help
Only 59.2 percent* of the population in Florida has completed the 2020 Census. This puts the state at risk for losing millions in federal funding over the next 10 years. The U.S. Census Bureau needs your help in encouraging ALL residents to respond today. We ask you to promote participation in the 2020 Census by…
Read MoreLeeCares Small Business Rehire Grant Application
Program Overview Lee County has identified $25 million in emergency relief funds to support businesses hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds are available as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act federal stimulus package. In Phase 2 of the County’s business assistance program Lee county will provide emergency financial support…
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