Course Overview

Economic Development Fundamentals provides an introduction to the core concepts, tools, and practices of economic development. Participants build a stronger understanding of how economic development works, who is involved, and how different strategies connect to business growth, community vitality, and long-term economic resilience.

Course Focus and Learning Outcomes

Participants will examine how to:

• Understand the purpose and practice of economic development
• Recognize the roles of public, private, nonprofit, and community partners
• Learn core concepts related to business attraction, retention, entrepreneurship, workforce, real estate, and strategy
• Understand common tools, programs, and measures used in the field
• Build a foundation for continued learning and professional growth

Who May Benefit Most

This course is open to all participants and may be especially useful for professionals who are new to economic development, transitioning into the field, working with economic development partners, or looking for a stronger foundation across the core areas of practice.

Registration (Opens December 2026)

Professional Development Credits

Attendance and participation during all sessions of the training course is required by a registrant to obtain the following credits. 

• Certified Economic Developer (CEcD)
  • Exam = Core Requirement
  • Recertification = (3) Level-1 Points
    
    
• Entrepreneurship Development Professional (EDP)
  • Exam = Elective Requirement
  • Recertification = (3) Level-1 Points

Note: IEDC will send a registrant an electronic certificate of completion after the course for their records.

Questions

If you have any questions, please email [email protected] or call (202) 223-7800.

Policies

Please read the following policies carefully prior to registering for the training course.

Materials

The materials provided by IEDC are intended for use only by the registrant of the training course. A registrant should not share the training course materials with anyone else.

A registrant found in violation of this policy will be removed from the training course immediately and will not receive a refund for it.

Payment

A registrant will not receive the materials for the training course until IEDC receives the full amount owed for their registration.

Substitution

A registrant is not allowed to substitute a colleague in their place for any IEDC training course.

Cancellation

Please review our cancellation policy here.

No Show

A registrant is considered a “No Show” if they fail to send a cancellation email and/or do not attend the training course. A “No Show” registrant will forfeit any monies paid to IEDC for the training course.