Located on the Gulf shores of Florida, the Southwest region is comprised of Charlotte, Collier and Lee Counties. Some 600+ technology businesses call this region home, as do many retail, tourism and healthcare industry outfits. Florida Gulf Coast University and several emerging Technology and Research Parks, are drawing new businesses to the area, and providing existing firms with resources to innovate and grow. The Southwest Florida region includes the MSAs of Cape Coral-Ft. Myers, Punta Gorda and Naples-Marco Island.

The region offers new and expanding transportation networks, including the Interstate 75 corridor connecting it to Tampa to the north, and Miami to the east. The recently expanded Southwest Florida International Airport, as well as Page Field (general aviation airport) are designated as Foreign Trade Zones.