Duke Energy and the Duke Energy Foundation have awarded $255,000 in grants to 20 organizations focused on economic development across Florida. The funding aims to help counties attract businesses, support workforce development, and encourage technological growth.
The grants will support a variety of programs intended to make Florida more competitive for business investment and job creation. For example, Citrus County received $15,000 to upgrade its Economic Development department’s website with enhanced mapping tools and improved resources for digital materials. The North Florida Economic Development Partnership Foundation, Inc. was awarded $15,000 to develop a matrix of grant programs addressing infrastructure needs in 15 rural counties. Central Florida Development Council also received $15,000 to update its target industry study and align local investments with high-potential companies.
Since 2020, Duke Energy and its Foundation have provided nearly $2 million in grants supporting economic development efforts throughout the state.
Melissa Seixas, president of Duke Energy Florida, said: “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.”
Sean Malott, president and CEO of Central Florida Development Council, stated: “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.”
Organizations benefiting from this round of funding include county economic development offices as well as regional partnerships such as the Orlando Economic Partnership and Team Volusia Economic Development Council. A full list is available at duke-energy.com/community/duke-energy-foundation/Florida.
Duke Energy Florida serves about two million customers over a 13,000-square-mile area in the state. The Duke Energy Foundation provides over $30 million annually in philanthropic support funded by company shareholders.
More information about Duke Energy can be found at duke-energy.com or through their social media channels.
