South Cape CRA Announces New Grant Program to Help Businesses Grow

The South Cape Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) recently launched a new grant program benefitting local businesses. The CRA developed the Breaking Barriers to Business (B2B) program to assist with infrastructure-related improvements associated with the City's Land Development Code. Up to $50,000 in grant funding will be available to business owners looking to open, expand, and grow in the South Cape CRA area (see map).

Eligible improvements include:

• Infrastructure design and construction
• Road improvements
• Landscaping and road beautification costs
• Water and sewer connection fees
• Drainage facilities
• Sidewalks, curbing, medians and shoulders
• Landscaping
• Lighting
• Irrigation costs
• Parking lot improvements
• Relocation of utilities

"Our local businesses are the backbone of our economy and play a major role in our City," said CRA Executive Director and Cape Coral's Interim City Manager Michael Ilczyszyn. "One of my highest priorities is partnering with Cape Coral business owners by providing development incentives to improve the quality of life in our city. This program is an opportunity for business owners to invest in their future as the City works to solidify their services in our community.”

The CRA Board of Commissioners approved the new grant program on Tuesday, May 2. Eligible businesses must invest a minimum of $25,000, and projects require a valid permit application number to apply. Complete program requirements and other details will be available in June. To watch the May 2 CRA meeting on-demand, visit the City's website.