The funds will support the continued operation of the Partnership’s Property and Community Database, properties.orlando.org, a GIS mapping solution that overlays community data layers with available commercial properties and offers custom ESRI reports free to users.
Orlando, Fla. – Duke Energy and the Duke Energy Foundation have allocated $682,000 in grants to bolster 35 local economic development organizations and businesses dedicated to fostering new job opportunities and investments in Florida.
Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida’s state president, expressed, “By investing in the people, places, and businesses that fortify and elevate our communities, we are paving the way for future opportunities. Collaborating with our state, regional, and local economic development entities, we remain committed to energizing lives and fueling Florida’s growth.”
These economic development grants aim to assist local organizations in promoting awareness of economic development strategies and product availability within their communities or regions.
The Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP) received a $15,000 grant from Duke Energy for the Foundation for Orlando’s Future.
This will help us support the continued operation of the Partnership’s property and community database, properties.orlando.org, a GIS mapping solution that overlays community data layers with available commercial properties and offers custom ESRI reports free to users.
Tim Giuliani, OEP President & CEO
The funding for this year will also empower the University of Florida’s UF Innovate|Accelerate program to identify and evaluate prospective biotechnology companies interested in expansion, with the possibility of moving to the Gainesville and Alachua regions.
Key Takeaways:
UF Innovate and Duke Energy have a shared commitment to the communities we serve.
Karl LaPan, director , UF Innovate| Accelerate
“Duke Energy’s support will allow us to provide access to the tools, expertise and resources necessary for high-performance companies to reach their goals, create jobs and build a more thriving entrepreneurial community.”
An additional grant from Duke Energy will enable the Florida Economic Development Council Foundation to develop a curriculum and implement program delivery for a year-round professional development initiative tailored to individuals and organizations.
“Florida’s economy continues to grow and expand,” said Beth Cicchetti, executive director of the Florida Economic Development Council Foundation. “We are grateful for Duke Energy’s continued support in helping the Florida Economic Development Council continue its strong support of business and economic development professionals throughout the state and improve the economic well-being for all Floridians.”
A complete list of grant recipients and program details can be found here.
About Duke Energy Florida
Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 10,500 megawatts of energy capacity, supplying electricity to 1.9 million residential, commercial and industrial customers across a 13,000-square-mile service area in Florida.
About Duke Energy Foundation
The Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders.
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America’s largest energy holding companies. Its electric utilities serve 8.2 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 50,000 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas unit serves 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. The company employs 27,600 people.
Duke Energy is executing an aggressive clean energy transition to achieve its goals of net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050. The company has interim carbon emission targets of at least 50% reduction from electric generation by 2030, 50% for Scope 2 and certain Scope 3 upstream and downstream emissions by 2035, and 80% from electric generation by 2040. In addition, the company is investing in major electric grid enhancements and energy storage, and exploring zero-emission power generation technologies such as hydrogen and advanced nuclear.
Duke Energy was named to Fortune’s 2023 “World’s Most Admired Companies” list and Forbes’ “World’s Best Employers” list. More information is available at duke-energy.com. The Duke Energy News Center contains news releases, fact sheets, photos and videos. Duke Energy’s illumination features stories about people, innovations, community topics and environmental issues. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
