Growing up, many of us learned to keep money in the family. I earned a weekly allowance by doing chores, and I learned how to budget. When I ran out but still wanted sunflower seeds and baseball cards with friends, I asked my parents for extra work. Mom drove the red clay roads of Southwest Georgia, and her pickup always needed a wash. I would grab a bucket and soap and ask for the job. She would say, “I would rather keep the money in the family, and you do a better job than the car wash anyway.” I might have added the last part. It was about family, community, and keeping resources close to home.
Those lessons still guide me. We value local products and services and the stories that come with them. That is why we choose to shop local Fort Myers and across Lee County whenever we can.

Key Takeaways (TL;DR)

• Lee EDO attracts and supports new projects and helps local companies grow
• FGCU’s entrepreneurship program builds real ventures and community impact
• Simple habits help the local economy, both in person and online
• We back local business because strong neighborhoods start close to home

Lee County Growth in Action

The Lee County Economic Development Office launched dozens of initiatives to attract companies and helped many expand or relocate here. In 2023, the county welcomed development projects across industrial, commercial, and multifamily. Lee EDO has also directed funding to recovery and workforce efforts, including CARES support, to keep businesses moving forward. Their Development Activity Story Map gives a public view of investment across the county and is worth a look. https://edo-leegis.hub.arcgis.com/pages/developmentactivity

“Our office excels at being a nucleus for entrepreneurs and businesses by prioritizing connecting resources and local businesses of all sizes,” says John Talmage, director of Lee EDO. “Our partnerships with the Small Business Development Center, SCORE, and SWFL Impact Partners have allowed us to collaborate and provide education to Lee County’s businesses and help them become resilient and succeed in adversity. Lessons learned from COVID-19 and Hurricane Ian were applied in Lee County’s efforts to diversify our economy. Concentrated efforts were put into enhancing the business environment in the Alico Corridor with new locations for corporate headquarters, distribution centers, and heavy industrial sites. Centralizing the business node provides relief to the transportation of our workforce, especially those commuting from the east side of the County.”

Entrepreneurs Who Power Southwest Florida

Susana and I joined FGCU’s Leadership Academy and toured the Daveler and Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship. Students there get access to mentors, resources, and a community of builders.
Dr. Colleen Robb, interim director of the school, shared an example that stuck with us. “We pride ourselves on being the leaders of entrepreneurial education in the SWFL community, and our students are frequently designing projects and businesses that positively impact our area. Two of our current graduate students, J. J. Jones and Quay Longs, saw that many under-resourced high school students feel intimidated by college. They worked with FGCU, FineMark Bank, and the Smith Private Foundation to launch Strive Hall, which brings these students to campus for free weekend experiences. The result is a more educated community that can fuel our economy on a systemic level.” https://www.strivehall.org

Shop Local Fort Myers: Simple Ways To Help

• Dine at independent restaurants and food trucks.
• Visit galleries and craft shops and support local artists.
• Buy at farmers markets and neighborhood stores.
• Choose local providers for services, from salons to home repairs.
• Show up for street fairs, concerts, and cultural events.
• Support with clicks too. Like, share, and comment on local business posts so they reach more neighbors.

At Worthington Realty, we do more than sell houses. We back the local businesses, artists, and musicians who make Southwest Florida feel like home. We believe in the strength of this community and in keeping resources close to home. Our goal is a place where local shops and culture can grow.

Final Thoughts

Most homeowners feel overwhelmed when it is time to move. At Worthington Realty, we provide personalized guidance and clear communication so that you feel heard, valued, and confident in your decisions. If supporting local is part of your move, we can help you find the right neighborhood and the right fit. Browse homes or visit WorthingtonRealty.com.