Course Overview

The Basic Economic Development Course provides a comprehensive introduction to the core principles, practices, and tools of economic development. Participants examine the economic development ecosystem and how public agencies, economic development organizations, businesses, utilities, community partners, and other stakeholders work together to strengthen local and regional economies.

Course Focus and Learning Outcomes

Participants will examine how to:

• Understand the fundamental principles and functions of economic development
• Recognize the roles of key public, private, nonprofit, and community stakeholders
• Connect major areas of economic development practice, including business retention and expansion, entrepreneurship, workforce development, real estate, finance, strategic planning, and organizational effectiveness
• Apply foundational economic development tools and strategies to real-world situations
• Identify opportunities to strengthen economic competitiveness, business growth, and community prosperity
• Build a strong foundation for continued professional development and future credentialing

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 seeking a stronger foundation in the profession. The course also serves as an important foundational step for individuals pursuing IEDC’s Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) credential.

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 = Elective 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.