Courses & Events


EDAC Members enjoy preferential rates on many courses, seminars and events across Canada. To be eligible, EDAC membership must be in good standing (paid in full) prior to registering for University of Waterloo (or any other applicable courses/seminars) at discounted member rates. Should EDAC membership not be paid in full by the date of registration, the attendee is responsible for paying the full (non-member) registration fees.
Courses

Certificate in Local Economic Development (LED)- Toronto Metropolitan University

June 1 - September 30, 2023
12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Local Economic Development Certificate Program - Intensive Option
Earn up to 20 points toward the EDAC's EcD designation Starting in Spring/Summer 2023, complete your entire LED certificate in just four months – all four courses will be available during the Spring/Summer term. (You can also choose to take the selected courses that suit your spring/summer schedule and complete the remainder during another term.)
Courses

Community Accelerator Online Courses

January 1 - December 31, 2023
12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
In a series of self-paced, one-hour, online courses, the Community Accelerator helps cities and counties speed toward a thriving economic and social future. Today’s economy is dominated by digital, and the Accelerator courses enable local governments to seize the advantages and avoid the dangers of the digital economy. It provides strategies, policy advice and case studies supported by comprehension testing and additional content. Completion of the 7-course series provides 5 points toward EDAC’s Ec.D. Designation.
Courses

Fundamentals of Community ​Economic Development – ONLINE Fall

September 13 - October 11, 2023
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Why take Year 1? Year 1 is about two things: building a strong foundation of knowledge in economic development, and building connections with your peers. This course helps economic development professionals learn the basics of the field, from what an EDO really does, to measuring success. Generalists will learn strategies for handling the many and diverse tasks they're expected to do. Specialists will learn about the spectrum of economic development activities and become more insightful team members.
Courses

Advancing Economic Development Opportunities – ONLINE Fall

October 18 - November 15, 2023
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Why take Year 2? Advancing Economic Development Opportunities (Year 2) builds on the foundation created in Year 1 and addresses more advanced topics like financial analysis, project management and performance measurement. Just like in Year 1, peer-learning and networking are built into the course.
Courses

YEAR 1: Fundamentals of Community ​Economic Development – Waterloo

May 7 - 12, 2023
3:00 PM - 12:00 PM
Year 1 is about two things: building a strong foundation of knowledge in economic development, and building connections with your peers. This course helps economic development professionals learn the basics of the field, from what an EDO really does, to measuring success. Generalists will learn strategies for handling the many and diverse tasks they're expected to do. Specialists will learn about the spectrum of economic development activities and become more insightful team members.
Courses

Advanced Economic Development Opportunities (Spring Year 2)

June 4 - 9, 2023
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Advancing Economic Development Opportunities (Year 2) builds on the foundation created in Year 1 and addresses more advanced topics like financial analysis, project management and performance measurement. Just like in Year 1, peer-learning and networking are built into the course.
Sponsors