Economic Development Office

The Fort Myers Regional Partnership – The Lee County Economic Development Office – was created to bring new companies to the area and help existing businesses grow and expand. The EDO staff also provides support to Lee County's Horizon Council, Horizon Foundation and Industrial Development Authority.

Lee County Economic Development Office Services

Our economic development professionals provide an array of in-depth services for local, domestic and international businesses seeking assistance with location or expansion. We provide these services to our clients free of charge and on a confidential basis.

Site Selection Assistance

We have a very knowledgeable staff that is involved in site selection that can aid you in choosing the best location in this vibrant and growing market. Working closely with area landowners, developers and brokers, we maintain a database of available manufacturing, warehouse and office buildings, industrial and office parks, and freestanding sites to help you with your site selection process. For contact information we encourage you to visit the section of our page dedicated to Site Selection and for more informational materials view the Demographics Profile | Community Fact Book | Florida Tax Advantages

Demographic and Statistical Information

Our research staff provides economic information on Lee County and southwest Florida concerning such topics as demographics, utilities, taxes, education, labor availability, labor costs and support services. We can also provide customized research based on your company's specific needs.

Business Meetings

Many business people find it helpful to talk to representatives of local companies in a similar industry during the site selection process. We can arrange such meetings to help you determine the compatibility of your businesses within the marketplace. We can also arrange meetings with local, state and federal agencies to discuss permitting, zoning, utilities and other important issues.

Employee Training and Recruiting

The Lee County Economic Development Office acts as a liaison between new and expanding businesses and local education and training providers. We also work with the Southwest Florida Workforce Development Board to develop customized employee training and employment programs. Additionally, we can assist you with obtaining workforce related state grants for training.

Community Tours

We can introduce you to Lee County and highlight the area's business sites and facilities, housing, schools, cultural programs and quality of life. We also offer individualized programs for assistance in locating key employees to the area.

Financial Assistance

Working with state and local agencies, we can provide information on such funding sources as the Small Business Administration, Industrial Revenue Bonds, and Enterprise Bonds. We will also arrange meetings with the local financial institutions to discuss financing options.

For more information, contact the Fort Myers Regional Partnership, Lee County Economic Development Office, at 800.493.4396.