Business / Employment in SW Florida
The U.S. Census Bureau predicts Florida's population will grow by 80 percent between 2000 and 2030 — the third-highest growth rate in the nation behind Nevada and Arizona. Experts predict more than 2 million people will inhabit Lee and Collier over the next 25 years. Its little doubt, Southwest Florida is growing by leaps and bounds.
As regional population explodes business opportunities will grow exponentially. According to the Collier County Chamber of Commerce, the fastest growing industries are wholesale trade, services, retail trade, government and construction.
As if the sheer numbers weren’t inviting enough, the area offers a number of extra incentives for entrepreneurs. There is no state personal income tax and corporate income tax is only 5.5 percent of an owner’s net income. Local banks actively lend through various small business administration (SBA) programs.
Local chambers of commerce help new businesses through promotion efforts, assisting in marketing and seminars for employees on improving business.
