Basic Economic Development
- Chapel Hill, NCJuly 28 - 31, 2025

This UNC course is accredited by the International Economic Development Council. This course qualifies as a professional development training requirement needed to sit for the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) examination.
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
Members of Civic Federal Credit Union (Civic) and Local Government Federal Credit Union (LGFCU), who are local government employees, are eligible to apply for a scholarship towards 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)
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.
- Chapel Hill, NCJuly 28 - 31, 2025UNC School of Government
Knapp-Sanders Building
400 South Rd
Chapel Hill, NC 27599View Scholarship InformationMembers of Civic Federal Credit Union (Civic) and Local Government Federal Credit Union (LGFCU), who are local government employees, are eligible to apply for a scholarship towards 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)
View Cancellation PolicyCourse participants who cancel their registration on or before July 20, 2025 will receive a full refund. No refund will be made for cancellations on or after July 21, 2025, but you will receive a transferrable credit to be used within 12 months. Click here to view the School’s full cancellation and refund policy.$710.00Registration and payment for this course grants access for a single attendee. In order to register a group of attendees, please register each person individually. If you have questions, please contact our registration office at registration@sog.unc.edu or 919.966.4414.