Introduction to Economic Development Certificate Program

Who Should Attend

The Economic Development Certificate Program at Fresno State offers intensive training in the basic principles of economic development. The programs objective is to meet the needs of individuals working in the economic development field as professionals or volunteers in both the public and private sectors. This course is designed to equip participants with the tools necessary to successfully implement economic development strategies in their communities. The program was developed to meet the needs of:

  • Business Development Professionals

  • Chambers of Commerce

  • Contractors

  • Community Development Practitioners

  • Community Volunteers

  • Cooperative Extension Professionals

  • Economic Development Practitioners

  • Financial Institutions

  • Municipal, Town, County and State Governments

  • Planning and Development Agencies

  • Public Utility Representatives

  • Real Estate Professionals

  • Others interested in facilitating job creation, and capital investment in their community, region or state.

Dates: August 11-14, 2025 or October 20-23, 2025

Location: Fresno State (in-person)

Cost: $900 for CALED members; $1000 for non-CALED members

Course Topics Include:

  • Developing an economic development strategy

  • Basic and advanced financing techniques

  • Workforce development

  • Real estate development and reuse

  • Business retention, expansion and creation techniques

  • Community assessment and planning

  • Marketing & Attraction

  • How to Manage the Economic Development Organization

  • Entrepreneurship & Small Business Strategies

  • Ethics

Accreditation

This course offers two certificate opportunities for attendees:

1) Economic Development Certificate from Fresno State &

2) the completion of this training program is the first step toward professional certification by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).

The Economic Development Certificate Program at Fresno State is a 4-day course and each participant is required to attend all modules of the course in order to receive a certificate from Fresno State and completion credit for the IEDC program.

Advanced Institute for Economic Development

The Accredited California Economic Developer (ACE) program is a certification program offered through a partnership between the California Association for Local Economic Development (CALED) and the California Academy for Economic Development.

The ACE program prepares participants to effectively create, manage and implement economic development programs in California’s unique environment. At the end of successful completion of all program requirements, the participant will earn ACE certification which can help set them apart in their field.

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