Duke Energy and the Duke Energy Foundation have awarded $255,000 in grants to 20 organizations in Florida that focus on economic development and workforce growth. The funds are intended to help local counties improve their ability to attract new businesses, support existing ones, and develop skilled workers for key industries.
Since 2020, Duke Energy and its foundation have contributed nearly $2 million in similar grants across the state. The company says these efforts aim to make Florida more competitive for business investment and job creation.
The recent round of grants will fund projects such as website enhancements for Citrus County’s Economic Development department, a grant program matrix for infrastructure needs across 15 rural counties by the North Florida Economic Development Partnership Foundation, Inc., and an updated target industry study by the Central Florida Development Council.
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, commented: “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 organizations receiving funding include Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., Taylor County Development Authority, Orlando Economic Partnership, Team Volusia Economic Development Council, Haines City Economic Development Council and several others.
Duke Energy Florida is a subsidiary of Duke Energy that supplies electricity to about two million customers over a 13,000-square-mile area. The Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million each year in philanthropic support funded by company shareholders. Additional information about these initiatives can be found at https://www.duke-energy.com/community/duke-energy-foundation/Florida.
Duke Energy is based in Charlotte, North Carolina. It serves millions of electric utility customers across six states and operates significant energy capacity nationwide. The company has stated its ongoing investments focus on modernizing the electric grid and expanding cleaner energy sources such as renewables and storage systems.
More details about Duke Energy are available at https://www.duke-energy.com or through its official news center.
