Cocoa Annual Economic Development Video 2023

Welcome to the great city of Cocoa, where progress and prosperity thrive.

With strategic investments and infrastructure, a supportive environment for business growth, and a focus on supporting a skilled workforce, we continue to foster a sense of community, furthering our city's economic growth, making a vibrant and promising place for all residents and businesses alike. Our dedication to empowering our economic future is evident, and the results can be seen throughout this dynamic community. My name is Michael C. Blake, and I have the privilege of serving as mayor of the great city of Cocoa. I'm excited to show you the progress Cocoa continues to make, becoming an economic leader along the space coast, providing real opportunities for growth and development. This past year, the city of Cocoa worked closely with the Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization and the Florida Department of Transportation to move along the expansion project for State Road 524. Expanding the capacity along this major roadway is an imperative step if a community wants to continue to grow. Expansion will not only enhance accessibility and mobility for our current residents and businesses, but will also create an attractive environment for the future, development and investment. We're excited to have this project move up to the five-year work plan, ensuring that our city will remain a desirable and accessible place that supports progress.

officials for a potential future train stop that will serve as a powerful, transformative economic catalyst for the Cocoa community and a transportation hub for the Space Coast region.

the tax base, attracting visitors to

nearby businesses, creating jobs for the nearby

businesses, creating jobs for the community

and enhancing employment for opportunities for residents living in our community. We will continue our efforts to attract this and increase mobility for the Cocoa community. The city of Cocoa continued its efforts in creating a supportive environment for business growth.

small businesses grant funding to start or expand their business in the city of Cocoa.

The Upstart Program hit the ground running right when it came out. They helped us so much. They hooked us up with the WeVenture Program at FIT and

tasks, meet with the right people. We were awarded a $10,000 grant, which ‸ helped a lot. We got restaurant equipment and we put other things in place.

The Toy Box is using the mentorship because it's helping me learn every aspect of the business. ‸ They're holding my hand through it, giving me some homework, but it's worth it because I'm learning it. If I could say anything to another small business, I would say to don't count yourself out and to just apply. It was really easier than I thought it was.

As a testament to our commitment to fostering a thriving business landscape, the city of Cocoa will also be offering small business classes, providing local entrepreneurs with ‸ valuable knowledge and resources to continue their growth and success.

their distribution facility in the city of Cocoa.

houses merchandise ready to be shipped to other facilities. A state of the art facility will stimulate economic growth, providing substantial job opportunities for our residents and positioning our city as a key logistics hub, attracting further business investments.

with investments in our community's well-being. We are continuing our extensive efforts in park improvements that will help enhance the quality of life for our residents, creating a more vibrant and healthy community. We have also invested in new affordable housing opportunities aimed at providing stable, accessible living options for our diverse working population.

our community, driving economic growth and creating a brighter, more prosperous future for all.

our pursuit of progress and inclusive