ED Now

ED Now recently caught up with Hezron Osano, an IEDC member based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Libraries across the U.S. provide entrepreneur support resources of all kinds, from workshops to networking opportunities to market research. Working with a local library is a good way for small business owners to get the help they need—and a good way for EDOs to enhance the reach and impact of their economic development efforts.

IEDC's Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) program recognizes organizational excellence in the areas of internal and external operations, structures, and procedures. This series profiles recently accredited AEDOs, putting some of economic development's highest-performing organizations in the spotlight. This edition: City of Miramar (Fla.) Economic Development and Housing Department.

With more than 22 years of experience in business, organizational, and economic development, Terri May Peters, business development manager for Claremore (Okla.) Industrial and Economic Development Authority, always seeks opportunities to grow her professional knowledge, network, and skill set to better serve the local community. And with more than 80% of businesses in Rogers County employing fewer than 10 individuals, the small business sector is a driving force for the area's economy. IEDC’s Entrepreneurship Development Professional certification provided the perfect opportunity for Peters to ensure she had the skills needed to provide local small businesses with the tools, training, resources, and relationships needed to be ...

Kristin Slice, EDP, director of community entrepreneurship for the J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute at Arizona State University, is part of the third cohort of certified Entrepreneurship Development Professionals. IEDC’s EDP credential is designed to build capacity for those supporting entrepreneurship in their communities, and demonstrates the skills and expertise to lead communities through entrepreneurship-led economic development (ELED). Why did you decide to pursue the EDP credential? Entrepreneurs deserve the best resources and support we can offer—they are the heartbeat of our economy. I take every course and certification I can. It gives me the tools and insight to help our team and community ...

Economic Recovery Corps fellow applications are now open! Are you, or someone you know, a community builder with an entrepreneurial spirit looking to do economic development differently? Join the inaugural cohort of the Economic Recovery Corps as a fellow, or help us share this opportunity with emerging leaders and practitioners. Launched in May to accelerate recovery from the pandemic in distressed areas, the ERC program connects host organizations with early- to mid-career professionals from diverse backgrounds and disciplines to build stronger, more resilient, and more equitable economies. IEDC, in partnership with EDA and six national and international associations, is seeking to place up to 65 ERC fellows at host organizations ...

Katherine Long, EDP, small business and information manager for Ponca City (Okla.) Development Authority (PCDA), is part of the third cohort of certified Entrepreneurship Development Professionals. IEDC’s EDP credential is designed to build capacity for those supporting entrepreneurship in their communities, and demonstrates the skills and expertise to lead communities through entrepreneurship-led economic development (ELED). Why did you decide to pursue the EDP credential? Working with startups and small businesses has always been a passion for me, even before joining the PCDA staff in 2006. Our executive director encouraged me to pursue the EDP credential during the pandemic, and I am so glad that I did. Going through the EDP ...

IEDC, in partnership with EDA and six national and international associations, has officially launched the Economic Recovery Corps (ERC) program. The multiyear, $30-million collaborative initiative will place up to 65 ERC fellows from diverse backgrounds and disciplines within partnering organizations across the United States to activate economic development projects and plans that generate new practices and paradigms for equitable and inclusive change. Organizations interested in hosting a full-time fellow for 2.5 years (30 months) will have until June 30, 2023, to submit an expression of interest and initiate the application process. This is a great opportunity for organizations that are looking to drive their economic development ...