News

$10,000 Forgivable Loans Available for Qualified Businesses

09/10/2021

Since the pandemic first began, COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on the Fort Myers small business community. Recognizing the need to provide temporary assistance to the small businesses located within the Cleveland Avenue, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. and Downtown redevelopment areas, the Fort Myers CRA created the City of Fort Myers Community…

Understanding Sources of Capital

09/10/2021

While it’s great to have so many different sources of capital, it’s most helpful if folks also know more about them and understand how and when to use them as part of a funding strategy. We invite you to spend some time exploring the capital landscape to better understand different types of funding that might…

Women in Business Challenge Enter by September 23

09/10/2021

Women business owners with big dreams are invited to share their story with BankUnited for a chance to win $10,000 to help grow their business. The inaugural BankUnited “Small Business, Big Dreams” Women in Business Challenge is open for entries. The Women in Business Challenge culminates in a live pitch event and business summit during National…

SWFEC and SBDC Join Forces

09/10/2021

Unsure of how to launch your start-up? Do you need financial assistance to help your business sale to the next level? Maybe you need access to date to make better business decisions? Imagine not having to search for the elusive secret to running a thriving business. The Florida SBDC (Small Business Development Center) at Florida…

SRMA to host workforce workshop “Learn how to attract, engage, and retain top talent”

09/10/2021

FORT MYERS, Fla. (September 9, 2021) – With a focus on providing valuable resources and education to the SWFL manufacturing community, the Southwest Regional Manufacturers Association (SRMA) announces a three-hour workshop titled “Attracting, Engaging and Retaining Top Talent” to be held September 29, 2021, starting at 8:00 a.m. at CareerSource Southwest in Fort Myers. Presented by Marc Simms…

The Immokalee Foundation students gain real-world work experiences through internships

09/10/2021

While most students take a break from the daily routine of schoolwork during the summer break, many Immokalee Foundation students used their time to develop professional skills and gain on-the-job experience by working a full-time, paid internship within their future career path. Foundation student Alondra M. interned for Legal Aid Service of Collier County. She…

Florida Biomedical Research Funding Opportunity Announcements

09/10/2021

FY 2021-2022 Applications must be submitted before 5:00 p.m. EST September 10, 2021 James and Esther King Biomedical Research Program The purpose of the Program is to support research initiatives that address the health care problems of Floridians in the areas of tobacco-related cancer, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and pulmonary disease. For more information on program,…

FPRA SWFL chapter announces 2021 Board

09/09/2021

FORT MYERS, Fla. – The Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) recently installed its 2021-2022 board of directors, announced its leadership team and recognized newly accredited members during its first program of the new year, held at Dave & Buster’s in Fort Myers. During the monthly luncheon, the chapter welcomed its…

Safe Harbor May Help Organizations Qualify for Employee Retention Credit

09/06/2021

On August 10, the IRS issued Rev. Proc. 2021-33 to amplify information in the three notices related to employee retention credit (ERC) issued earlier this year. The Rev. Proc. also provides a safe harbor for treatment of PPP loan forgiveness and “ERC-Coordinated Grants” in defining gross receipts for purposes of qualifying for ERC. What’s the…

Uncommon Friends Foundation Announces John Morgan as Featured Speaker at Uncommon Evening Gala

08/24/2021

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Sept. 3, 2021) — The Uncommon Friends Foundation is proud to announce the annual Uncommon Evening Gala will feature John Morgan from the law firm Morgan & Morgan as the distinguished featured speaker. This year’s event, “Be Uncommon!” will be on Nov. 10 at historic Burrough’s Home & Gardens. In 1988, John Morgan…