News

Naples Angels Invest in Marketing Technology

06/29/2020

Tamiami Angel Fund III, Florida’s largest angel fund, invested in Fotobom Media, a mobile phone keyboard application that delivers content based on users’ emails and text messages. Tamiami Angel Fund III invested $568,000 into Fotobom Media, based in San Francisco. Fotobom is the 15th company in the portfolio of Tamiami Angel Fund III. According to…

Breaking News: DBPR Closes Bars Statewide

06/26/2020

Today, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) issued Emergency Order 2020-09, which closes bars for on-site alcohol consumption EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY.  Here’s what it says: Establishments that derive more than 50% of their gross revenue from the sales of alcohol beverages must suspend sales of alcohol for consumption on the premises. These establishments can continue…

Small Business Group: Move to Overturn Affordable Care Act a Slap in the Face of Small Businesses Struggling with Healthcare Costs

06/26/2020

Statement by Rhett Buttle, senior advisor to Small Business for America’s Future and former Director of Private Sector Engagement in the Office of the Secretary at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Washington, D.C., June 26, 2020—With 57% of small business owners opposed to overturning the Affordable Care Act; the Trump Administration’s request that the Supreme Court do…

CRA Approves 5 New Job Program Applicants

06/25/2020

FORT MYERS. June 26, 2020. The Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is proud to announce the approval of 5 new applicants to their Job Creation & Talent Attraction Program. “This program has generated more interest in Fort Myers as a technology hub,” stated CRA Chair Fred Burson. The CRA’s Board of Commissioners unanimously approved…

FRLA Encourages All Florida Residents and Visitors to Wear Masks, Releases Updated Operating Recommendations

06/25/2020

TALLAHASSEE – In response to the Florida Department of Health issuing an updated public health advisory over the weekend, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) today issued updated safety and operating guidance for members of Florida’s hospitality industry to ensure employee and guest safety.  Among the recommendations, FRLA is strongly encouraging all Florida residents and visitors to…

Beautiful Health was first ribbon cutting for Blue Zones Project® SWFL since COVID shutdown

06/23/2020

(Naples, FL – June 18, 2020) Beautiful Health celebrated their Blue Zones recognition with a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 11. The event was captured live on Facebook by the staff of Blue Zones Project® Southwest Florida. “The Blue Zones Project® and Power 9 principles are so important to a happy and healthy life and…

Florida Department of Health Issues Public Health Advisory Saturday, June 20, 2020

06/22/2020

Governor DeSantis directed the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation to increase inspections to ensure that businesses are adhering to applicable Phase 1 and Phase 2 guidance. Please see link to the Press Release for further details. The Public Health Advisory provides the following recommendations: All individuals in Florida should wear masks in any setting where social…

SBA Now Accepting New Applications for Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Advance

06/19/2020

By Small Business Administration: Our nation’s small businesses are facing an unprecedented economic disruption due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. On Friday, March 27, 2020, the President signed into law the CARES Act, which contains $376 billion in relief for American workers and small businesses. Notice: Now Accepting New Applications for Economic Injury Disaster Loans…

SWFL Chamber Panel: COVID-19 recovery requires working together

06/15/2020

Special to SWFBT By Karen P. Moore, SWFBT Publisher Everything related to COVID-19 happened so fast and everything after has evolved even faster. So it is difficult (if not impossible) to figure out where we are headed today, tomorrow and next year–with our businesses, cities and local economy. I’ve been so busy trying to “keep…

Senate passes PPP Flexibility Act

06/04/2020

The U.S. Senate passed H.R. 7010, the Paycheck Protection Flexibility Act, making a number of retroactive improvements to the Paycheck Protection Program. The National Restaurant Association release a summary of components of the legislation, including the following: Extends the loan coverage period from 8 weeks to 24 weeks Modifies the “75/25” rule, which had required…