Duke Energy and the Duke Energy Foundation have awarded $255,000 in grants to 20 organizations across Florida. The funding is aimed at helping attract businesses, support economic growth, and develop workforce talent throughout the state. Over the past five years, nearly $2 million has been distributed by Duke Energy and its foundation for similar efforts.
The grants will be used for a range of programs that seek to improve Florida’s ability to compete for new business investments and skilled workers. Each grant supports a specific strategy designed to make it easier to do business in Florida or promote career opportunities in industries with high demand.
Among the recipients are Citrus County, which received $15,000 to enhance its Economic Development department’s website with improved mapping tools and resources; North Florida Economic Development Partnership Foundation, Inc., which was granted $15,000 to create a matrix of grant programs addressing infrastructure needs in 15 rural counties; and Central Florida Development Council, which also received $15,000 for initiatives that align workforce and infrastructure investments with companies showing high potential.
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.”
A full list of all organizations receiving grants includes local development councils as well as regional planning groups across various counties.
Duke Energy Florida is responsible for supplying electricity to approximately 2 million customers within a 13,000-square-mile area in the state. The parent company serves millions more across several states including North Carolina and South Carolina. Additional information about their philanthropic work can be found on their official site (https://www.duke-energy.com/community/duke-energy-foundation/Florida).
For further details about Duke Energy’s broader activities—including grid upgrades and clean energy initiatives—readers can visit their main website (https://www.duke-energy.com) or check updates on social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook.
For media inquiries regarding this announcement contact Laitin Sterling at 800-559-3853.
