Basic Economic Development

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This class has transistioned to an online format. Virtual live sessions will occur August 3-6, 2020

For the first time in its 47-year history, the Basic Economic Development Course at UNC-Chapel Hill will be offered virtually! Due to COVID19 precautions and travel restrictions, this is the best way to deliver a high-quality course and ensure it is accessible to all those who need to participate in 2020.

This year’s online version of the course will feature a blend of asynchronous content, such as pre-recorded video segments, and synchronous live sessions with instructors. The virtual live sessions will be held during the originally scheduled course dates: August 3-6, 2020.

The online format and virtual delivery will not change the substantive content of the course. The UNC course will continue to fulfill one of the requirements for the IEDC professional economic developer certification (CEcD).

This introductory course is designed for economic development professionals employed by public, nonprofit, and private organizations and individuals new to the field. It is also appropriate for more experienced professionals seeking to update their knowledge and skills. The course is a comprehensive educational experience that integrates theoretical and practical perspectives and provides participants with the foundation needed to organize, plan, and implement economic development programs. Expert instructors will cover trends, strategies, and the core tools of the trade. The course is officially accredited by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and counts toward the CEcD certification.

Course sessions include:

· Trends in Economic Development

· Ethical Dilemmas

· Strategic Planning

· Workforce Development

· Business Attraction and Site Selection

· Business Retention and Expansion

· Entrepreneurship

· Development Finance

· Real Estate Development

· Community Development

· Managing EDOs

Scholarship Information

Community Development Block Grant Funds

Community Development Block Grant funds (specifically, administration funds) can be used to pay for attendance to this program. Check with your CDBG program administrator on the availability of funding in your jurisdiction. Non-entitlement communities can contact the Division of Community Assistance of the NC Department of Commerce to determine whether they have open CDBG projects with available funds.

Local Government Federal Credit Union

Local Government Federal Credit Union offers scholarships to local government employees to apply toward tuition for conferences, classes, and seminars offered by the School of Government. There are four deadlines to submit applications:

March 1 (for courses starting between April 1 and June 30)
June 1 (for courses starting between July 1 and September 30)
September 1 (for courses starting between October 1 and December 31)
December 1 (for courses starting between January 1 and March 31)

Visit the LGFCU website for more information and to submit an application.

Additional information

Attendees: Economic development professionals employed by public, civic, or private development agencies and individuals new to the field.
Certification: The course is accredited by the International Economic Development Council and counts toward the CEcD certification for professional economic developers.

There currently are no scheduled offerings of this course.

2020 BEDC Agenda (pdf, 214 KB)

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