Duke Energy Foundation Invests $200K in Florida Economic Development Grants
The Duke Energy Foundation is contributing $200,000 in grants to assist 15 economic development organizations in their efforts to attract businesses to Florida and strengthen the state's dynamic economy.
"Florida’s economic strength makes it an appealing option for companies looking to establish, expand, or relocate," said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. "We are proud to support forward-thinking strategies that will build on this success and help ensure sustained economic growth for future generations."
The Orlando Economic Partnership is receiving a $20,000 grant to create a tool that will compare Orlando’s key business location metrics with those of the 30 largest metropolitan regions in the country.
“The Duke Energy Foundation’s grant will enable us to develop a resource that will generate business leads, create jobs, and attract investment to the Orlando area," said Neil Hamilton, Orlando Economic Partnership vice president of market intelligence. "Access to this data will be a crucial asset in our economic development initiatives, and we are confident it will help attract new business opportunities and elevate Orlando’s position as a premier metropolitan area."
The St. Petersburg Area Economic Development Corporation will use a $12,500 grant to boost awareness of the city, particularly the Historic Gas Plant District, as a prime business location for site consultants.
“This support from the Duke Energy Foundation comes at a pivotal time for our city’s growth,” said Mike Swesey, president and CEO of the St. Petersburg Area Economic Development Corporation. “We are on the verge of becoming one of the most attractive cities for businesses in the country, and this grant enables us to share our story with key decision-makers. We are incredibly fortunate to have Duke's continued backing, which drives economic growth for our community.”
A full list of grant recipients is provided below:
"Florida’s economic strength makes it an appealing option for companies looking to establish, expand, or relocate," said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. "We are proud to support forward-thinking strategies that will build on this success and help ensure sustained economic growth for future generations."
The Orlando Economic Partnership is receiving a $20,000 grant to create a tool that will compare Orlando’s key business location metrics with those of the 30 largest metropolitan regions in the country.
“The Duke Energy Foundation’s grant will enable us to develop a resource that will generate business leads, create jobs, and attract investment to the Orlando area," said Neil Hamilton, Orlando Economic Partnership vice president of market intelligence. "Access to this data will be a crucial asset in our economic development initiatives, and we are confident it will help attract new business opportunities and elevate Orlando’s position as a premier metropolitan area."
The St. Petersburg Area Economic Development Corporation will use a $12,500 grant to boost awareness of the city, particularly the Historic Gas Plant District, as a prime business location for site consultants.
“This support from the Duke Energy Foundation comes at a pivotal time for our city’s growth,” said Mike Swesey, president and CEO of the St. Petersburg Area Economic Development Corporation. “We are on the verge of becoming one of the most attractive cities for businesses in the country, and this grant enables us to share our story with key decision-makers. We are incredibly fortunate to have Duke's continued backing, which drives economic growth for our community.”
A full list of grant recipients is provided below:
- City of Apopka
- CareerSource Polk/Haines City Economic Development Council
- Citrus County Board of County Commissioners
- CORE Business Center
- City of Deland
- City of Eustis
- Florida’s Great Northwest
- Hernando County Board of County Commissioners
- Highlands County Board of County Commissioners
- Nature Coast Business Development Council
- Orlando Economic Partnership/Foundation for Orlando’s Future
- Pasco Economic Development Council
- Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners
- St. Petersburg Area Economic Development Corporation
- Team Volusia Economic Development Corporation
Click here to know more about the Duke Energy Foundation.
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