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Basic Economic Development Course

Elevate Your Career in Economic Development with USF鈥檚 Accredited Certification 

In the fast-evolving field of economic development, having the right credentials isn鈥檛 just an advantage鈥攊t鈥檚 a necessity. The OB体育官网鈥檚 Basic Economic Development Course (BEDC) equips you with the skills, insights, and recognized certification you need to stand out and lead. Whether you鈥檙e aiming for a promotion, transitioning into the field, or sharpening your leadership skills, this course is your gateway to career success. 

Why USF鈥檚 Basic Economic Development Course?  

Accredited by Industry Leaders: IEDC and APA

For nearly 50 years, USF has offered a BEDC to prepare professionals in the field to advance their careers and qualify to sit for the CEcD exam. Accredited by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and the American Planning Association (APA), our program is recognized for its rigorous standards and its real-world relevance. These credentials aren't just letters after your name鈥攖hey鈥檙e keys that unlock doors to opportunities, whether you're looking to lead within your current organization or make a strategic career move. 

鈥淎spiring economic developers have to start with some basic professional development, and the BEDC lays a good foundation to build your knowledge base and skillsets in economic development鈥�

Craig Richard, President and CEO of Tampa Bay Economic Development Council 

Basic Economic Development Courses provide the crucial groundwork, equipping participants with the skills and insights needed to earn the most prestigious credential in the field, the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) certification. The CEcD credential is a stepping stone for professionals with goals to climb to higher-level roles that demand advanced expertise. The certification not only enhances credibility but also provides a competitive edge in the job market. Employers are on the lookout for the CEcD credential, making certified professionals stand out among other candidates, increasing their chances for interviews and landing their desired roles. 鈥� 

At USF, we understand that theoretical knowledge is just the beginning. Our curriculum is designed to immerse you in the practical, actionable skills you need to drive economic growth and development in your community. 

Over three dynamic days, you鈥檒l master topics such as: 

• Strategic Planning: Create and implement effective economic strategies that foster sustainable community growth.
• Economic Development Finance: Dive into financing models that drive development projects and learn how to apply them effectively.
• Neighborhood Development Strategies: Develop initiatives that enhance the quality of life at the grassroots level.
• Workforce Development: Equip your community with the skills needed to meet today鈥檚 economic challenges.
• Real Estate Development and Reuse: Gain insights into maximizing real estate potential within your economic development strategy.
• Business Retention and Expansion: Learn proven techniques to support and grow existing businesses in your area.
• Managing Economic Development Organizations: Acquire the leadership skills necessary to manage and inspire within economic development teams.
• Entrepreneurial and Small Business Strategies: Learn to navigate ethical challenges and address conflicts of interest in economic development decision-making.
• Ethics in Economic Development: Discover how to navigate ethical challenges and resolve conflicts of interest in economic development decisions
• Marketing and Attraction: Master strategies to attract new businesses, investments, and residents to your community. 

Every module is taught by industry veterans who bring years of experience into the classroom. This isn鈥檛 just learning鈥攊t鈥檚 preparation for the real challenges you鈥檒l face in your career. 

Network with Leaders, Collaborate with Peers 

Economic development is about more than just policies and projects鈥攊t鈥檚 about people. In this course, you鈥檒l connect with a diverse group of professionals who share your passion for making a difference. From interactive sessions to social events, every aspect of our program is designed to foster connections that will last long after the course ends. 

As a USF BEDC graduate, you鈥檒l join an exclusive alumni network of professionals who are shaping the future of economic development across the country. These relationships aren鈥檛 just beneficial鈥攖hey鈥檙e transformative. 

鈥淭hank you so much for putting together such a great event. I really enjoyed the content and the networking opportunities were invaluable."鈥� Amy A. Kirkland, MBA, AVP, Resource & Economic Development at Seminole State College of Florida 

Who Should Enroll? 

If you鈥檙e serious about making an impact in economic development, this course is for you. Our program is designed for: 

• Economic Development Managers and Specialists: Ready to step into senior leadership? This course will help you get there.
• Urban Planners and Public Policy Analysts: Expand your expertise with a robust understanding of economic development principles.
• Real Estate Developers and Corporate Strategists: Transition smoothly into the economic development sector with foundational and advanced knowledge.
• Government Officials and Staff: Enhance your ability to serve your community with cutting-edge strategies and insights.
• Aspiring Leaders in Economic Development: Prepare for leadership roles with advanced training in strategic management and organizational leadership. 

Whether you鈥檙e looking to advance within your current field or make a strategic career pivot, USF鈥檚 BEDC offers the knowledge, credentials, and network to help you succeed. 

Your Career Transition Starts Here 

Changing careers isn鈥檛 just a decision鈥攊t鈥檚 a journey. And with the right tools, it鈥檚 a journey that can lead to tremendous growth and fulfillment. If you鈥檙e moving into economic development from a related field like real estate, urban planning, or corporate strategy, USF鈥檚 Basic Economic Development Course provides the foundational knowledge and industry-recognized certification you need to make that transition with confidence. 

Our course doesn鈥檛 just fill in the gaps鈥攊t builds a bridge to your new career. You鈥檒l leave with a comprehensive understanding of economic development principles and the confidence to apply them in your new role.