News
Collaboratory awarded 174 scholarships to students and adult learners from Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee counties. More than $1.2 million will pay for these students to advance their educational goals. Yesenia Juarez Hernandez, 18, a graduate at Moore Haven Middle-High School received a $1,000 award from the Couse Gram Scholarship. “I feel excited and…
The Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) recently approved Commercial Property Improvement Matching Grants for the Downtown and Cleveland Avenue redevelopment areas. The first grant was in the not-to exceed amount of $22,095.48 for Sunshine State Law’s property located at 2058 Cottage St. in downtown. The funds will be used for exterior patching and painting,…
The U.S. Small Business Administration announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit organizations in Florida who sustained economic losses caused by drought occurring March 11. The disaster declaration covers the counties of Alachua, Bradford, Brevard, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Flagler, Glades, Hendry, Hernando, Lake, Lee, Levy, Marion, Orange, Osceola,…
The Industry Appreciation Awards, Southwest Florida’s premiere business awards event, has begun accepting applications for its 2025 recognition program. Now in its 33rd year, the Industry Appreciation Awards recognize Lee County’s top businesses and business leaders that drive the local economy, employ the workforce and shape their industries. The awards program is sponsored by the…
EHC, a trailblazer in the construction industry renowned for its comprehensive pre-construction, earthwork, and infrastructure services, is excited to announce the transition to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, marking a milestone in the company’s journey. Since Jeff Hunt founded EHC in 1990, EHC’s growth has been driven by a commitment to rewarding dedication and leadership.…
Boys & Girls Club of Collier County is incorporating a new Virtual Reality tool, Transfr VR, to engage members in exploring careers. The innovative VR platform offers immersive learning experiences for teens in grades 6 through 12. The career exploration simulations give students a first-hand look at the daily tasks in various careers, helping them determine if…
The Florida Department of Education, under the leadership of Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr., awarded $12 million through the Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant Program (Workforce CAP) to expand workforce education programs. This latest $12 million investment strengthens eight programs statewide, equipping students with the skills needed to excel in Florida’s agriculture, healthcare and technology. With…
Sunshine Ace Hardware has opened its newest retail store in Southwest Florida, bringing the first hardware store to residents and businesses in the community of Babcock Ranch. Located inside The Shoppes at Yellow Pines at Babcock Ranch’s southern entrance off S.R. 31, the new store is the third Sunshine Ace Hardware in Charlotte County. The…
Sanibel Captiva Community Bank has temporarily suspended services at its McGregor Branch, located at 15975 McGregor Blvd., starting Monday, May 19, as the bank enters the final phase of construction on its new permanent branch being built on the property. The mobile unit was installed in 2023 after the bank’s original McGregor Branch sustained significant…
The U.S. Small Business Administration announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit organizations in Florida to offset economic losses caused by caused by drought beginning April 15. The disaster declaration covers the primary counties of Broward and Collier, and the adjacent counties of Hendry, Lee, Miami-Dade, Monroe…