Collier commissioners OK $1M to lure mystery company

NAPLES, Fla. — More than $1 million in Collier County funds will go toward luring a mystery company to Southwest Florida after county commissioners approved incentive money for what they’re calling “Project Nikita.”

The company would create 560 jobs paying about $50,000 a year and bring in about $63 million in capital investment if it builds its headquarters in Southwest Florida, one of multiple areas it’s considering.

“In general, it’s about having programs and availability and being business friendly, that’s how were going to diversify this economy,” said Jace Kentner, interim director for Collier County’s Office of Business and Economic Development.

The county is shrouding the identity of the company as part of a confidentiality agreement.

“We will not have to raise taxes or generate any sort of fees in order to fund the matching dollars that the county will contribute,” commissioner Georgia Hiller said.

The company is seeking incentives from the state as well. The state and Collier County leaders will now work with the company on a contract that will also have to be approved.