Duke Energy and the Duke Energy Foundation have distributed $255,000 in grants to 20 organizations across Florida. The funding aims to help local economic development agencies attract new businesses, support the state’s economy, and build workforce talent. Since 2020, nearly $2 million has been awarded by Duke Energy and its foundation for similar efforts.
The grants are intended to back a variety of programs designed to make Florida counties more competitive when attracting businesses, skilled workers, and new technology. Each grant is tied to strategies that aim to simplify business operations in the state or promote careers in industries with high demand.
Among this year’s recipients are:
– Citrus County Economic Development received $15,000 for website upgrades, including better mapping tools and improved resources for digital materials.
– North Florida Economic Development Partnership Foundation was awarded $15,000 to develop a matrix of grant programs addressing infrastructure needs in 15 rural counties.
– Central Florida Development Council received $15,000 to support job attraction efforts and align workforce investments with growing companies in Polk County.
“Florida’s economic strength instinctively makes our state a great place to establish and grow a business, so it’s our privilege to build upon these competitive advantages through innovative, strategic resource grants,” said Melissa Seixas, president of Duke Energy Florida.
Sean Malott, president and CEO of Central Florida Development Council, added: “This grant from Duke Energy will play a critical role in shaping the future of Polk County’s economy. By updating our target industry study, we will gain additional insights needed to continue attracting high-quality jobs, support local businesses and align Polk’s workforce and infrastructure investments with the industries that drive long-term growth. We are grateful for Duke Energy’s continued partnership in building a stronger, more resilient economic future for our community.”
Other beneficiaries include the Florida Economic Development Council Foundation; Hernando County Office of Economic Development; Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.; Taylor County Development Authority; Lake Economic Area Development Partnership; Orlando Economic Partnership; Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership Foundation; Team Volusia Economic Development Council; FloridaMakes Inc.; Haines City Economic Development Council; Highlands County Economic Development; Winter Haven Economic Development Council; Levy County Board of County Commissioners; Apalachee Regional Planning Council; Seminole County Economic Development; among others.
Duke Energy Florida operates as a subsidiary of Duke Energy. It supplies electricity to two million customers over 13,000 square miles in the state. The Duke Energy Foundation provides over $30 million annually for community needs where its customers live and work. Funded by company shareholders, it supports projects focused on economic development as well as other areas.
Duke Energy is based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Its electric utilities serve millions across several states including North Carolina, South Carolina, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. The company is currently investing in electric grid improvements along with cleaner energy sources such as renewables and storage technologies.
For more details about the Duke Energy Foundation’s work in Florida communities visit https://www.duke-energy.com/community/duke-energy-foundation/Florida.
