The short version
- Most of the help a small business needs in Lee County is free: SBDC consulting, SCORE mentoring and city business assistance.
- Registering a Florida business, getting local business tax receipts and verifying contractor licenses each happen in a different place. They’re all listed below.
- Bookmark this page. We’ll keep it updated.
Starting or growing a business in Cape Coral means dealing with the state, the county and the city, plus a long list of organizations that offer help. It’s easy to miss the free resources that exist precisely for small businesses. This guide gathers the most useful ones in one place.
Free business advice and mentoring
Florida SBDC at FGCU
The Florida Small Business Development Center at Florida Gulf Coast University serves Southwest Florida with no-cost, confidential consulting on business planning, financing, growth strategy and more, along with training workshops. It’s one of the most valuable resources a small business owner here can use, and many owners don’t know it exists.
SCORE Southwest Florida
SCORE Southwest Florida pairs business owners with volunteer mentors, many of them experienced executives and business owners, for free one-on-one mentoring. SCORE also runs workshops and webinars on topics from marketing to financing.
City of Cape Coral Economic and Business Development
The city’s business assistance office helps companies locating or expanding in Cape Coral, and publishes information on available business incentives.
Registering and licensing your business
Register with the state
LLCs, corporations and fictitious names (“doing business as” names) are registered with the Florida Division of Corporations at Sunbiz. Annual reports are also filed there. Missing the annual report deadline can lead to administrative dissolution, so put it on your calendar.
Local business tax receipts
Most businesses need a local business tax receipt. In Lee County, applications and renewals are handled through the Lee County Tax Collector. Businesses inside city limits may also need a city receipt, so check with your city as well.
Professional and contractor licenses
Many trades, including general, roofing, HVAC, plumbing and electrical contractors, require state licensing through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. You and your customers can verify any license at MyFloridaLicense.com. Contractors: display your license number on your website and estimates. Homeowners check, especially after storms.
Federal tax ID
If you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation, you’ll typically need an Employer Identification Number from the IRS. Applying is free; avoid third-party sites that charge for it.
Networking and local connections
Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral
The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral offers networking events, member directories and advocacy for local businesses. Chamber membership also typically gives you a listing and link on its website, which can help your local visibility on Google.
Trade associations
Builders, contractors, marine businesses and other trades have local and statewide associations that offer training, referrals, and often directory listings. They’re worth joining for the relationships alone.
Financing and disaster help
U.S. Small Business Administration
The SBA guarantees small business loans through local lenders and offers disaster loans to businesses affected by declared disasters, which matters in Southwest Florida after major hurricanes.
Emergency preparedness
The Florida Division of Emergency Management and FEMA’s Ready.gov business pages offer planning guides. See our hurricane season business checklist for a practical version.
Getting found online
Once you’re registered and open, customers need to find you. Start with these free and low-cost steps:
- Set up a Google Business Profile. It’s free and often brings more calls than a website.
- Claim your listings on Apple Maps, Bing Places, Yelp and Facebook, with consistent name, address and phone.
- Get a website that clearly says what you do and where. Our website cost guide explains your options and what they cost.
If you’d rather have a local team handle your website, Google profile and ads while you run the business, Roll The Six Marketing works with Southwest Florida businesses on exactly that.
Know a resource we should add? Tell us.
