Enterprise Center staff propose rent increases and operations overhaul to reduce $400k taxpayer subsidy

Steve Weathers, introduced in the transcript as director of economic development, and the Enterprise Center operations team presented a multi‑part plan to strengthen the incubator. Staff said the center currently receives about $400,000 in city support while generating roughly $200,000 in revenue and recommended changes intended to move the facility toward self‑sufficiency.

Operational changes staff described include standardizing one‑year leases aligned to the city fiscal year, implementing a participant contract that requires regular engagement with incubator programming, centralizing fire‑extinguisher inspections (staff noted more than 80% of extinguishers previously showed no pressure) and improving security (key‑fob tracking and cameras). For revenue, staff proposed increasing light‑industrial rates from $0.57 to $0.75 per sq. ft., raising office and commercial rents (sample changes included office base rates from $2 to $3 per sq. ft. and commercial to $3.25), a stepped rent schedule that raises rates in years three and four, and a tenant services fee of about $25 per month to cover inspections and common services. "We're trying to get it to basically, I'll call it a net 0 where it's self funding and there's no taxpayer money supporting this," a staff speaker said.

Staff also reviewed programming partnerships (FGCU Institute of Entrepreneurship, Goodwill, SCORE, Lee County Schools) and new services (bookkeeping, mentoring and workforce placement) intended to increase tenant readiness and retention. Council members asked for clarity on signage and how vacant land could be marketed; staff said they would pursue term sheets and solicitations as needed. Staff will return with final rate recommendations for council action.