Small business development and expansion is an important goal in the CRA. In partnership with Collier County Economic Development Office the following resources are available to help you grow your business in the CRA.

Interested in starting or expanding your business?  Visit Florida Virtual Entrepreneur Network:  Empowering and Connecting Florida Entrepreneurs:  Visit Website

Are you an existing business, looking to expand visit: Collier EDO (Visit Website) is a collaboration between the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce and the Collier County Economic Development Office, the two entities work together to provide comprehensive economic development services.

The Naples Accelerator is a 10,000 square foot business accelerator that provides companies with offices, conference rooms, virtual space, co-working networking, mentoring and training to grow their startups and small businesses.  It also brings businesses closer to sources of funding by offering its own venture funding angels.  1 Million Cups@Naples, is held on the second Wednesday of every month from 9 to 10 a.m., where local entrepreneurs and startups pitch their businesses and products for six minutes to an audience of investors, startups, entrepreneurs, and the public.

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Florida Culinary Accelerator@Immokalee provides a unique opportunity for “foodies” to expand their cottage industry to the bigger market.  Are you a home cook who is constantly complimented on your baked goods and believe they would be successful in the retail market? Or maybe you’re a small food business that just can’t afford the equipment or costs of getting into the retail market. Whether you’re a chef, farmer, home cook, small or large food business, the Florida Culinary Accelerator @Immokalee can help. It’s a high-tech, state-of-the-art commercial shared kitchen and production space that provides members with mentors who can help with nutrition, food safety, food testing, business plans and more. Our licensing help allows members to overcome the challenges of complying with local, state and federal food safety regulations, while ensuring safer products for consumers.