FPL’s 35 Mules Program to Develop Next Gen Innovators and Support Florida’s Economic Growth
In efforts to support Florida’s economic growth and develop, the next generation of American innovators, Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), a NextEra Energy company, has opened applications for 35 Mules, a first-of-its-kind innovation hub program.
Through 35 Mules, tech and energy-related start-ups and entrepreneurs can apply for a nondilutive cash grant of up to $100,000, and gain access to financial and marketing mentors, Fortune 2000 executive coaching, advanced technology solutions, business services, and world-class facilities to bring their game-changing ideas to life faster, smarter, and at scale.
Furthermore, the hub program provides access to leading subject-matter experts in renewables, solar, and smart grid technologies, leadership coaching as well as dedicated, rent-free workspace with access to world-class facilities on the FPL campus in Juno Beach, Florida, for 12 to 18 months.
Crystal Stiles, senior director of economic development at FPL, said, “With more than 99 percent of companies in Florida composed of small businesses, we believe entrepreneurship and innovation are the future for our great state.”
“Florida welcomed many businesses and investors into the state last year, and I think it’s just the beginning. Our goal is to support the state’s economic growth and flourishing business environment by helping entrepreneurs develop their big ideas into a business based in Florida,” she continued. “We believe that when we support small businesses in Florida, we’re supporting FPL customers and communities.”
When reflecting on how 35 Mules will positively affect Florida, Stiles stated, “Small businesses are the foundation of our state’s economy.
Supporting these companies and helping them grow means we’re keeping talent in our state, promoting economic diversity, fostering innovation, and creating Florida jobs.”
In 2020, 35 Mules provided six start-ups with a combined $8.53 million in grants, more than 60 one-on-one executive and leadership engagements, over 160 subject-matter expert learning opportunities with more than 20 FPL/NEE business units, and more than 200 hours of formal training, including legal, marketing, lean start-up, and customer discovery, HR, intellectual property. Start-ups in the program have seen great success, including six awards and nominations received.
With a successful year in 2020, the team behind 35 Mules is confident that the next round of the program will perform even better.
Applications are available at 35Mules.com/apply and close on August 23. “I would encourage any entrepreneurs who have a great idea in the energy or energy-adjacent industry to apply to our program at 35Mules.com/apply.
We look forward to welcoming a diverse group of start-ups to 35 Mules in 2022! Start-ups will be selected this fall, and the second class of innovators joining our 35 Mules program will start with us in January 2022.”
For more information on the program, visit www.35mules.com
Haz clic para leer en Español: FPL “35 Mules” ayuda al crecimiento económico y desarrollo de la próxima generación de innovadores
