1,170 Over 1,170 individuals have graduated since the program started in 2010.
670 Over 670 businesses have started and more than 70% are still in business.
90% of all businesses in SWFL are Microenterprises.
SWFL MicroEnterprise Institute
SWFL is one of the fastest growing regions in Florida. A rising population means an increase in demand for goods and services, creating more opportunities for local businesses to thrive. MicroEnterprise program teaches aspiring entrepreneurs how to be small business owners by developing a solid foundation for success!
Services are offered to residents of Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, and Lee counties.
What Is A Microenterprise?
What is a MicroEnterprise? Businesses with 0-9 employees and a start-up of $50,000 or less. Median net worth of business owners is 2.5X higher than non-business owners. MicroEnterprise supplies more than 43.6 million jobs for owners and their employees. MicroEnterprise makes up 96% of all U.S. businesses. AEO is a research leader in the microbusiness ecosystem https://research.aeworks.org/
Apply Today
For More Information, Contact:
Sandra Plazas
Director of Community Education
(239) 995-2106, ext. 2304
Many thanks to Zonta Foundation of SWFL for their support:
The Zonta Foundation of SWFL provides small grants to empower Lee County women in business and help them to launch or strengthen their businesses. The Zonta grants awarded through the Southwest Florida MicroEnterprise Institute, are solely for graduates of the MicroEnterprise Institute.
For more information about the Zonta Foundation of SWFL,
visit zontasancap.com/zonta-foundation-swfl
Anita – Owner of Finding My Radiance T-shirt print shop
https://www.findingmyradiance.com/
Who Is Eligible?
Our MicroEnterprise program is designed to help individuals with low to moderate income levels and other disadvantages to start or stabilize their own businesses. If you have a great idea for a new business, the Goodwill SWFL MicroEnterprise Institute is available to aspiring small business owners who live in the Southwest Florida area.
An administrative fee may apply depending upon your income level. This pays for your course materials-but the rewards you reap will give you far more value!
Services are offered to residents of Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Lee & Hendry.
What Are the Classes Like?
Classes meet on Monday and Thursday evenings for six weeks. A Facilitation team who are local entrepreneurs teach aspiring entrepreneurs about Business Concept, Market Research, Pricing Product and Service, Marketing Strategies, Cash flow and more. A Feasibility plan is created to help determine viability of the business idea. Classes will assist you in developing a plan that focuses on cash flow – the first and most critical step in creating a business plan. A strong business plan will help you not only run your business but also apply for financial assistance.
After completion of the class and based on ability to repay, participants may be eligible to apply for a small loan through the Kiva Zip program, with Goodwill MicroEnterprise may match some funds.
Available Classes
Cape Coral
West Cape Classes for 2025:
West Cape Coral Community Resource Center
1499 SW Pine Island Rd.
Cape Coral, FL 33991
(Located inside the Goodwill Retail Store)
For application assistance or schedule information, contact:
Sandra Plazas
(239) 995-2106 ext. 2215
sandraplazas@goodwillswfl.org
Counselors include SCORE representatives and experienced small business owners
Fort Myers
Southwest Florida Enterprise Center (SWFEC)
3903 Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard Suite 5
Fort Myers, FL 33916
Classses are Monday and Thursday 6 pm – 9 pm
For application assistance or schedule information, contact:
Sandra Plazas
(239) 995-2106 ext. 2304
sandraplazas@goodwillswfl.org
Counselors include SCORE representatives and experienced small business owners
Naples
Naples Classes for 2025:
September 15 – October 23, 2025
Collier Library
2385 Orange Blossom Drive
Naples, FL 34109
For application assistance or schedule information, contact:
Sandra Plazas
(239) 995-2106 ext. 2304
sandraplazas@goodwillswfl.org
Counselors include SCORE representatives and experienced small business owners
Port Charlotte
Peachland Promenade Shopping Center
King’s Highway CRC
24123 Peachland Boulevard
Port Charlotte, FL 33954
For application assistance or schedule information, contact:
Sandra Plazas
(239) 995-2106 ext. 2304
sandraplazas@goodwillswfl.org
Counselors include SCORE representatives and experienced small business owners
Virtual
Computer & high speed internet required for this class
For application assistance or schedule information, contact:
Sandra Plazas
(239) 995-2106 ext. 2304
sandraplazas@goodwillswfl.org
Counselors include SCORE representatives and experienced small business owners
Additional Resources
A Business Coach/Mentor plays a vital role in guiding aspiring entrepreneurs by sharing expertise, providing constructive feedback, and helping participants develop strong business plans. Through mentorship, coaches offer valuable insights, foster confidence, and ensure participants have the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in their entrepreneurial journey.
Volunteer business mentors are dedicated to providing the best possible service to help small business owners achieve their goals.
Created in 1953, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) continues to help small business owners and entrepreneurs pursue the American dream. SBA is the only cabinet-level federal agency fully dedicated to small business and provides counseling, capital, and contracting expertise as the nation’s only go-to resource and voice for small businesses.
The Small Business Development Center provides access to no-cost, certified professional business consultants who possess the experience, knowledge, and resources that aspiring and existing small businesses need to make more informed business decisions, identify and access growth opportunities.
SWFL MicroEnterprise was implemented in 2010 and to date we have 1175 individual have graduated from the Goodwill SWFL MicroEnterprise Institute, and over 600 individuals have successfully started their own businesses with small business training and other assistance from Goodwill and our partners.
FUNDING PROVIDED BY
- Zonta Foundation of Southwest Florida
- Bank United
- Valley Bank
- Comerica
- Bank of America
- Regions Foundation
- Third-Federal Savings & Loan
- Regions Bank
- Fifth Third Bank
- United Way Collier and the Keys
- Bank OZK
- TD Charitable Foundation
- City of Cape Coral Community Development Block Grant
- First Horizon Foundation
