Courses & Events

Where: Waterloo Cost: $1250-$1695* Points: 10 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. Professionals of all types and experience levels will appreciate the peer-learning and networking opportunities. Participants come from across Canada and are eager to share their successes, challenges, and lessons. On a personal level, spending a week learning, eating, and relaxing together builds a bond that leaves each cohort looking forward to reuniting at conferences and other industry events.

Where: Waterloo Cost: $1250 - $1695* Points: 10 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. Year 2 is the second of two courses that make up our Certificate in Economic Development. Certificates are presented to every successful recipient annually at the Economic Developers Association of Canada conference.

Where: Online Every Wednesday 9:30 am - 4:30 pm (EST) Cost: $1150 - $1595* Points: 10 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. Year 2 is the second of two courses that make up our Certificate in Economic Development. Certificates are presented to every successful recipient annually at the Economic Developers Association of Canada conference. Advanced Economic Development Opportunities (Fall Year 2) ONLINE Oct 16-Nov 13, 2024 10

When: October 16 - November 13, 2024 (Every Wednesday - ONLINE) Cost: $1150 - $1595* Points: 10

When: June 10-14, 2024 Location: Edmonton Cost: $1250-$1695* Points: 10

May 5-10, 2024 University of Waterloo, St Jerome's $1250-$1695* Points: 10

June 2-7, 2024 Waterloo $1250 - $1695* Points: 10

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.