Training
Experience the EDA Institute
The EDA Institute is the professional learning and capacity-building division of Economic Developers Alberta (EDA).
Created to support the continued growth of the economic development profession, the Institute provides practical learning opportunities, professional resources, and lifelong learning pathways designed to help professionals build the knowledge, skills, confidence, and capacity to create lasting impact in the organizations and communities they serve.
As a young and evolving Institute, we are building more than a collection of courses. We are creating a professional learning community that supports continuous learning, encourages collaboration, and advances excellence in economic development across Alberta.
Whether you are beginning your learning journey or expanding your expertise, the EDA Institute is here to support your professional growth every step of the way.
The EDA Institute Difference
Professional Learning- The EDA Institute provides learning opportunities that reflect current practices, emerging trends, and the evolving needs of Alberta's communities.
Practical Application- Learning is most valuable when it is put into practice. Every course is designed to provide practical knowledge, tools, and real-world approaches that can be applied immediately within your organization and community.
Building Capacity- Every learning opportunity is designed to build capacity by strengthening the knowledge, skills, confidence, and practical abilities needed to create meaningful and lasting impact. By investing in people, the EDA Institute helps strengthen organizations, communities, and the economic development profession.
Lifelong Learning- Professional learning is an ongoing journey. Whether you are building foundational knowledge or expanding your expertise, the EDA Institute supports continuous learning throughout your career.
Professional Recognition- As your knowledge, experience, and professional practice grow, your learning may contribute toward EDA professional certificates and designations that recognize your commitment to continuous learning, professional excellence, and the advancement of economic development.
Think of your professional learning as a journey rather than a destination. Every learning experience builds your knowledge, strengthens your confidence, and prepares you to respond to new opportunities, address evolving challenges, and create lasting impact in the organizations and communities you serve.
Learning Pathways
The EDA Institute offers a variety of professional learning opportunities designed to support learners at different stages of their careers. Courses are organized into Core and Optional learning opportunities, allowing you to build a strong foundation while expanding your knowledge in areas that align with your professional interests, responsibilities, and community priorities. As your experience grows, so do your opportunities for continued learning and professional recognition.
Core Learning- Build a strong foundation in the principles, practices, and competencies that support effective economic development. Core courses provide foundational knowledge for those who are new to the profession and those seeking to strengthen or refresh their understanding of economic development practice.
Optional Learning- Expand your expertise by exploring specialized topics that align with your professional interests, responsibilities, and the evolving needs of your organization and community. Optional courses allow learners to tailor their professional learning journey while developing knowledge in areas of growing importance to economic development.
1. Select a Course
Core
- Establishing the Foundation (ETF)
- Business Retention & Expansion (BR&E)
- Business Investment & Attraction (BI&A)
- Community Economic Resilience (CER)
- Economic Development for Elected Officials (EO)
- Professional Ethics in Economic Development (Ethics)
Optional
- Fundamentals of Rural Economic Development (RED)
- The Social Side of Economic Development (SED)
- Co-operatives & Economic Development (CAED)
- Performance Measurement in Economic Development (PM)
- Mental Well-being for Community Leaders (MW)
2. Select Delivery Option
Individual
Online, self-directed learning. Available 24-7.
$195 Members $295 Non-Members
Group
Hybrid- Online:
Self-directed, augmented with live instructor sessions
$325 Members $435 Non-Members
In person:
Group session in your community. One day instructor-led online workshop.
$2950 Members $3450 Non-Members
3. Register
Download the EDA Institute Flyer for easy reference and share it with your colleagues.
