The BEDCs are independently managed by state-level organizations and/or universities. These courses provide professionals with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to build a career in the economic development field. BEDCs are also part of the required coursework to apply for IEDC's Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) Exam.
IEDC accredits the BEDCs to ensure they meet specific standards and cover the fundamentals of economic development.
Grow America (formerly NDC) created the first training program solely for economic, housing, and community development practitioners four decades ago. Since then, Grow America has trained more than 80,000 individuals in the art and science of economic and housing development finance.
The OU EDI training program was the first such program in the country, beginning over 60 years ago in 1962. This program is widely recognized across the economic development field and provides professionals with up-to-date knowledge and tools necessary to succeed in today’s constantly changing environment.