Duke Energy awards grants to local economic development organizations to boost growth, job creation in south central Indiana

PLAINFIELD, Ind. – Duke Energy has selected five economic development organizations in south central Indiana for inclusion in its 2025 Partnership Program, which funds marketing and strategic efforts to attract new jobs and investment to Indiana.

“This program gives our local economic development partners the tools they need to showcase the strengths of their communities – both at home and on the national stage,” said Erin Schneider, managing director of economic development at Duke Energy. “It’s just one of the many ways we’re helping influence growth in the state to build competitive, thriving communities.”

Partnership Program grant funds can be used to support a wide array of marketing initiatives, including trade show attendance, website redesign, promotional materials, and presentations or tours to introduce prospective companies and site selectors to a community.

To qualify for program consideration, each applicant submitted a plan that would have a direct impact on their community’s economic growth. Grant amounts varied depending on the size and scope of the project.

This year, grants were awarded to the following south central Indiana organizations:

Bloomington Economic Development Corporation – $5,000
Grant funds will support the creation of high-quality marketing materials designed to attract new business investment, highlight Monroe County's competitive
advantages, and accelerate job growth and economic development in the region.

Jackson County Industrial Development Corporation – $5,000
Grant funds will support the organization’s attendance at several site consultant events in 2025.

Lawrence County Economic Growth Council – $5,000
Grant funds will support the development of a new website that aligns with the organization’s work to promote new investment through business retention and expansion, business attraction and quality of place enhancement.

Owen County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Corporation and Brown County Redevelopment Commission – $10,000
Owen County and Brown County will each receive $5,000 to support the counties’ regional efforts, alongside Monroe County, for their work with the Regional Opportunity Initiatives to submit an application to the U.S. Economic Development Administration for an Economic Development District designation.

Duke Energy Indiana
Duke Energy Indiana, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, provides about 6,300 megawatts of owned electric capacity to approximately 910,000 customers in a 23,000-square-mile service area, making it Indiana’s largest electric supplier.

Contact: McKenzie Barbknecht
24-Hour: 800.559.3853