Council backs further exploration of business resilience grant options, favors grant funding

Emergency Management staff described a pilot study that examined resilience measures for four local businesses — Papa Joe’s Italian Restaurant, Family Hardware, the Chamber of Commerce partner and the Cape Coral Caring Center — and outlined options to reduce flood, wind, fire and power vulnerabilities.

Ryan Bass, Emergency Management Coordinator, said the report looked at site-specific measures including shutter options, door and window flood barriers, AC elevation for flood protection, and generator siting and costs. "One of the things we’re looking at is the business resilience grant program...we looked at all of those specific threats...how do we strengthen them and make them tougher?" he told council.

Staff said preliminary cost estimates per business for comprehensive measures ran roughly $45,000–$50,000; a proposed 50/50 city/business cost share would leave about $25,000 for each participating business. Council members repeatedly urged staff to pursue outside grant funding first and to restrict city funds to pilot tests or essential-service businesses (grocery, gas, pharmacy). "If there’s some state or federal grants available that we can utilize, I have no problem with that," a council member said.

Council gave staff direction to continue pursuing grant opportunities, to refine selection rubrics to favor community‑lifeline businesses and to return with options for a phased pilot and potential funding sources. No binding appropriation or final program design was approved.