Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

What is the EDA Institute?

The EDA Institute is Economic Developers Alberta's professional learning and capacity-building program for economic development practitioners, elected officials, community leaders, board members, and volunteers.

Our courses provide practical, real-world training designed to help participants strengthen local economies, build resilient communities, and confidently move from strategy to action.

Developed by practitioners for practitioners, EDA Institute courses combine proven economic development principles with practical tools, resources, and examples that can be applied immediately in communities of all sizes.

Who are EDA Institute courses for?

EDA Institute courses are designed for:

• Economic development professionals
• Elected officials and senior administrators
• Community leaders, board members, and volunteers
• Regional and inter-municipal collaborators
• New practitioners seeking foundational knowledge
• Experienced professionals looking to refresh or expand their skills

What makes the EDA Institute different?

EDA Institute training is:

• Practical and action-oriented
• Delivered by experienced practitioners
• Relevant to communities of all sizes
• Focused on real-world challenges and opportunities
• Designed to build long-term community capacity
• Supported by peer learning and collaboration

Participants leave with practical tools, templates, resources, and strategies they can apply immediately in their communities.

What courses are available?

Core Courses

These courses form the foundation of the Community Economic Development Certificate Program:

• Establishing the Foundation (ETF) – Foundations of modern economic development practice.
• Economic Development for Elected Officials (EO) – Economic development governance for elected leaders.
• Business Retention & Expansion (BR&E) – Supporting and growing existing businesses.
• Business Investment & Attraction (BI&A) – Building investment-ready communities and attracting investment.
• Community Economic Resilience (CER) – Preparing for, responding to, and recovering from disruptions.
• Professional Ethics in Economic Development (Ethics) – Ethical leadership, integrity, and public trust.

Optional Courses

Participants may choose optional courses based on their interests and community priorities:

• 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)

What is the cost? 

EDA Institute courses are offered in three formats:

* Faculty Expenses: We try to provide a Faculty member closest to the course location in order to reduce expenses as much as possible. The following out-of-pocket travel expenses will be reimbursed when applicable: meals, hotels, airline tickets, a per kilometre rate when using personal vehicle to travel to locations, and daily personal expense allowance.  NOTE: Travel rates are based on current rates set by the Province of Alberta. 

How do I book a hybrid or In-Person course For my community?

To arrange a hybrid or in-person course, contact admin@edaalberta.ca with:

• Desired course
• Preferred dates
• Location
• Estimated number of participant

EDA will work with you to identify a Faculty member, confirm scheduling, and coordinate course delivery.

Do participants receive a certificate?

Yes. Participants who successfully complete an EDA Institute course receive a Certificate of Completion.

Can these courses be applied toward professional designations?

EDA Institute courses contribute toward EDA's:

• Community Economic Development (CED) Certificate
• Professional Economic Developer (PEcD) designation

Several courses are also recognized by the Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC) for professional development credits. Please contact EDA for current EDAC accreditation information and applicable fees.

How do I learn more or register?

Visit the EDA website or contact admin@edaalberta.ca for upcoming course dates, registration information, and customized training opportunities.