SWFL Tech

09/23/2026

September’s What’s on Tech newsletter focuses on a challenge highlighted in the SWFL Tech Pulse Report: building a stronger, more connected ecosystem around talent, entrepreneurship, and access to opportunity.

This month’s theme is the investment community and the resources available to help Southwest Florida founders become more investor-ready, connect with local support, and reach broader capital networks when the right fit is not available locally.

We’re highlighting:
- Regional resources that support startups and entrepreneurs
- Efforts to strengthen Southwest Florida’s future talent pipeline
- Events that help expand access to technology, skills, and professional connections

Explore the SWFL Tech Investment Community resources page to find organizations, programs, and connections that can help founders take their next step.

Want more? Subscribe to the SWFL Tech newsletter to stay connected, or follow the link to read the full September issue.
https://swfl-tech.org/whats-on-tech/newsletter/?utm_source=socials&utm_medium=september

SWFL Tech Board
Laura H. Schmidt, MBA (President), Ken Goldman (Treasurer), Debbie Peterson, MBA (Secretary), Warren Baucom (Economic Development), Jim Dobinski (Marketing), Chase Henderson (Community Engagement), Edward Fritz, MSM (Workforce), John Schlager (At Large), Wesley Sprecher (At Large)

SWFL Tech Members
Hotwire Communications Ltd, Entech, Comcast, StellarBlue.ai, Florida Gulf Coast University Lutgert College of Business, Lee County Economic Development Office, Inceptus, CMIT Solutions Of SWFL, Meredith Whitehead, B2 Solutions, Blue Water Components, Inc., SQK Consulting, 35 Mules, NURO.is, Collaboratory, Crews Bank & Trust

What’s On Tech Newsletter Conversations Connecting Southwest Florida’s Tech Ecosystem Our team has curated a robost distribution list of organizations and individuals who are actively engaged in building a strong tech ecosystem in Southwest Florida as well as C-level tech executives within a 50-...

09/09/2026

Episode 2 of SWFL Tech Pulse Podcast is here: The Hidden Tech Engine of Goodwill & Bridging the Digital Divide

Host Chase Henderson sits down with Memi Whitehead, of Memi Whitehead Consulting, and Angela Hemstreet, Director of Employment Services at Goodwill Southwest Florida, to explore how workforce support, digital access, and practical tech training are helping people across the region build confidence and opportunity.

In this episode:
- How Goodwill is closing gaps in digital access and skills
- Why digital literacy matters for today’s workforce
- How AI can be used as a practical workplace tool
- The importance of combining technical and soft skills
- How local workforce programs are helping connect people to opportunity

Listen to Episode 2 of SWFL Tech Pulse and hear how community-based support is strengthening Southwest Florida’s workforce.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/73TkRbshp3RTgHbo6B03jw?si=mf7cXaVqRNqthDTpK0cy6g

09/08/2026

Please join us in Welcoming our newest member, Crews Bank and Trust!

Crews Bank & Trust is a Florida-based community bank providing personal and business banking, commercial lending, treasury management, and wealth and trust services. With a new Fort Myers location, Crews brings its relationship-focused approach to even more businesses and individuals across Southwest Florida.

We’re excited to welcome Crews Bank & Trust to the SWFL Tech community and continue strengthening the connections that support our region’s growing business and technology ecosystem.

See all our members at https://swfl-tech.org/our-members/?utm_source=social&utm_medium=new-member-Crews

09/01/2026

More tech connections, all in one place.
- Tuesday, Sept 8 at 5:30-7:30 PM
- Swamp Cat Brewing Co.
- FREE TO ATTEND!

SWFL Tech Night Out is happening alongside a separate Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship event, same time, same place.

These aren't joint events, but it does create a unique chance to meet people from another local tech network, expand your circle, and make a few unexpected connections along the way.

Join us for SWFL Tech Night Out and be part of the conversation.

Hang out with local tech pros, swap ideas, and discover cool innovations at SWFL Tech Night Out!

08/27/2026

Join us on Tuesday, September 8 at 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.!

SWFL Tech Night Out is bringing together even more of Southwest Florida’s tech community this time around.

Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship (WTE) will be hosting a **separate event at the same location and time** as part of a statewide initiative. While these are not joint events, it creates a great opportunity to connect with people from another local tech network while you’re there.

Join us for an evening of conversation, new connections, and community.

Register for SWFL Tech Night Out!

Hang out with local tech pros, swap ideas, and discover cool innovations at SWFL Tech Night Out!

08/25/2026

Southwest Florida’s technology ecosystem continues to grow through stronger skills, shared knowledge, and regional connection.

This month’s SWFL Tech newsletter explores what businesses need next in AI, cybersecurity, cloud, and data. It also features practical AI learning opportunities, the launch of the SWFL Tech Pulse Podcast, new recognition for the Tech Pulse report, and upcoming technology events across Florida.

https://swfl-tech.org/whats-on-tech/newsletter/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=august-newsletter



SWFL Tech Board
Laura H. Schmidt, MBA (President), Ken Goldman (Treasurer), Debbie Peterson, MBA (Secretary), Warren Baucom (Economic Development), Jim Dobinski (Marketing), Chase Henderson (Community Engagement), Edward Fritz, MSM (Workforce), John Schlager (At Large), Wesley Sprecher (At Large)

SWFL Tech Members
Hotwire Communications Ltd, Entech, Comcast, StellarBlue.ai, Florida Gulf Coast University Lutgert College of Business, Lee County Economic Development Office, Inceptus, CMIT Solutions Of SWFL, Meredith Whitehead, B2 Solutions, Blue Water Components, Inc., SQK Consulting, 35 Mules, NURO.is

What’s On Tech Newsletter Conversations Connecting Southwest Florida’s Tech Ecosystem Our team has curated a robost distribution list of organizations and individuals who are actively engaged in building a strong tech ecosystem in Southwest Florida as well as C-level tech executives within a 50-...

08/17/2026

SWFL Tech Pulse Podcast is officially here!

In our first episode, host Chase Henderson sits down with SWFL Tech President Laura Schmidt to explore the past, present, and future of Southwest Florida’s growing technology ecosystem.

What they cover:

✔️ How SWFL Tech is helping connect the region’s technology community
✔️ What the Tech Pulse Report reveals about workforce growth and talent retention
✔️ Why AI literacy and education matter for the region’s future
✔️ How breaking down silos can strengthen collaboration across Southwest Florida
✔️ What it will take to build a more connected, future-ready tech ecosystem

The message is clear: Southwest Florida’s tech future will be built through stronger connections, shared knowledge, and regional collaboration.

Listen to the first episode of SWFL Tech Pulse and join the conversation.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/60nVneRd8FnvNYSH2rZC8L?si=ZGr74vSNSkasCkybK3eqUg

08/07/2026

As a volunteer-led non-profit, community support of our efforts makes such a difference. Thank you State Insurance USA, LLC for your support!

We were proud to present a State Insurance Cares donation to SWFL Tech!

SWFL Tech is helping shape the future of Southwest Florida by bringing together businesses, educators, entrepreneurs, and technology leaders to encourage innovation, workforce development, and economic growth. We are honored to support their mission and the positive impact they're making throughout our region.