Economic Developers Alberta
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Business Retention & Expansion (BR&E)- In-Person Course (Closed Event)
1/14/2026 - 1/14/2026

Business Retention & Expansion (BR&E)

Core Course – EDA Institute

In this course, you’ll gain a practical understanding of how to support and strengthen your local business community through effective BR&E strategies.

You will:

  • Explore BR&E as a key driver of economic growth and sustainability.

  • Learn how research, data analysis, and Business Visitation Programs (BVPs) help inform meaningful strategies.

  • Examine different types of BR&E initiatives — including Import Replacement Programs (IRPs), Home-Based Business (HBB) initiatives, and downtown revitalization efforts.

  • Understand how to create a supportive environment that encourages business retention, growth, and innovation.

  • Build your ability to measure economic development success using both qualitative and quantitative Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

  • Discover how BR&E activities contribute to community resilience, including preparation for and recovery from economic disruptions or disasters.

Host: Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration – Laura McGown, REDS Team
Trainer: Natalie Gibson


 
Location: Leduc County Business & Entrepreneur Centre
608 18th Ave
Nisku, AB T9E 7V8


The attendee limit has been reached for this event.



Performance Measurement (PM) - Virtual Course (Closed Event)
1/22/2026

Performance Measurement in Economic Development (PM)
Performance measurement provides a structured way to assess and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your economic development activities. This course introduces the key concepts, tools, and frameworks needed to evaluate progress, strengthen decision-making, and demonstrate the impact of economic policies, programs, and initiatives.
Participants will explore the differences between performance management and performance measurement, learn how to apply the Logic Model and SOME framework, define SMARTER outcomes, and select meaningful metrics that align with community priorities. By the end of the course, you will be equipped to track results, identify opportunities for improvement, and clearly communicate success to stakeholders.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
  • Understand core concepts of Community Economic Development (CED) and its measurement
  • Distinguish between performance management and performance measurement
  • Review and interpret economic development performance studies
  • Apply the SOME framework in measurement
  • Identify and prioritize community economic needs
  • Develop objectives based on identified priorities
  • Use the Logic Model to guide measurement
  • Define SMARTER economic development outcomes
  • Identify relevant data sources and select effective performance metrics
  • Track progress and communicate results with clarity
Hosted by Caroline McAuley and BRAED
Trainer: Natalie Gibson
Virtual- Zoom link sent with registration confirmation​
 
 
 

Location: Online

Registration ends on 1/15/2026
There are currently 22 spots remaining out of 35





Business Investment & Attraction (BI&A) - In-Person Course
1/29/2026

Business Investment & Attraction (BIA) ls a Core Course with the EDA Institute

During this in-person session you will;
  • Understand the role of economic development and the importance of implementing a BI&A strategy.
  • Assess community investment readiness, leverage competitive advantages, and build capacity.
  • Develop a comprehensive BI&A strategy, conduct market research, and select appropriate marketing tools.
  • Cultivate relationships with investors and entrepreneurs, identify investment projects, and establish protocols.
Hosted by: Martin Ebel, Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration
Trainer: Natalie Gibson
Location: Taber Legion Hall
5205-48 Ave.,
Taber, AB T1G 1S8

Registration ends on 1/19/2026
There are currently 1 spots remaining out of 35





Establishing the Foundation (ETF) - In-person (Closed Event)
2/3/2026

Economic Development – Establishishing the Foundation (ETF)

Your journey starts here.

This introductory course provides a solid grounding in the principles and practices of economic development. As the first course in EDA’s Community Economic Development Training Program (CEDTP), it helps learners understand the field, the role of economic development professionals, and the strategies that drive strong, resilient communities.

Course Outcomes

Participants will learn to:

  • Understand key economic development concepts, including Community Economic Development (CED).

  • Identify the roles and responsibilities of Economic Development Officers.

  • Develop strategic plans using SMARTER goals, data, and local economic analysis.

  • Explore core strategies such as BR&E, BI&A, workforce development, tourism, and marketing.

  • Recognize the importance of collaboration, partnerships, and funding opportunities.

  • Evaluate economic development activities using KPIs and performance measurement tools.

  • Understand how to build community economic resilience and support long-term sustainability.

    Course Date: February 3rd, 2026 10am to 4pm
    Co-hosts :Brad Hestbak, REDS Team and Jennifer Churchill from ANCA 
    Trainer: Holly Sorgen
    Coffee, tea and lunch will be provided

    Please note the EDA In-person training session are awarded course completion certificates that can be used toward your EDA CED Certificate.


Location: Sucker Creek First Nation
Administration Building
Sucker Creek, AB

Registration ends on 1/26/2026
There are currently 29 spots remaining out of 35




Economic Development for Elected Officials - Jasper Region - Registration is Free
2/5/2026

Economic Development for Elected Officials

Economic Development 101! 

Designed specifically for elected officials and community leaders, this foundational course offers a clear, big-picture understanding of economic development and how it connects to local mandates and priorities. Participants gain practical tools for strategic planning, data-driven decision-making, and understanding the role of local government in community progress. The course explores core economic development strategies, target market identification, and effective value-proposition building. It also highlights the importance of collaboration, funding mechanisms, and performance measurement using KPIs. Finally, attendees learn how to support community economic resilience and their role in helping communities prepare for—and recover from—disruptions.

Location - Quorum Room, Basement Level of the Library & Cultural Centre, 500 Robson St., Jasper

 Hosted by EDA and Jasper

Trainer: Mark Morrissey
Thursday February 5th from 9 am to 3 pm 

Please note that Lunch and Refreshments will be provided.

 


Location: Quorum Room (Basement Level)
Library & Cultural Centre
Jasper, AB

Registration ends on 1/30/2026
There are currently 16 spots remaining out of 35




Economic Development for Elected Officials - Growing the North
2/20/2026

Economic Development for Elected Officials

Economic Development 101! - Designed specifically for elected officials and community leaders, this foundational course offers a clear, big-picture understanding of economic development and how it connects to local mandates and priorities. Participants gain practical tools for strategic planning, data-driven decision-making, and understanding the role of local government in community progress. The course explores core economic development strategies, target market identification, and effective value-proposition building. It also highlights the importance of collaboration, funding mechanisms, and performance measurement using KPIs. Finally, attendees learn how to support community economic resilience and their role in helping communities prepare for—and recover from—disruptions.

Location - Evergreen Park 55051 Township Rd 710, Grande Prairie, AB T8W 5A7

Location website https://evergreenpark.ca

The conference website is https://growingthenorth.com

Hosted by: Grande Prairie County and Hetti Huls
Trainer: Mark Morrissey
Friday February 20th from 9 am to 3 pm - Cost $150 pp

 


Location: EverGreen Park
55051 Township Rd 710
Grande Prairie, AB T8W 5A7

Registration ends on 1/30/2026




Fundamentals of Rural Economic Development - Growing the North
2/20/2026

Fundamentals of Rural Economic Development (RED)

Designed for those working in rural and remote communities, this course focuses on building effective, collaborative economic development strategies tailored to local realities.
Participants learn how to assess community needs and assets, identify opportunities, and develop targeted Rural Economic Development Plans. The course explores key rural strategies, creative resource alignment, and practical tools such as CNAs, asset mapping, and gap analysis. Learners gain skills in community engagement, partnership development, and navigating conflict. The session also highlights rural leadership, governance models, and the role of economic development officers in advancing long-term growth

Location - Evergreen Park 55051 Township Rd 710, Grande Prairie, AB T8W 5A7

Location website https://evergreenpark.ca

The conference website is https://growingthenorth.com

 Hosted by: County of Grande Prairie
Trainer: Holly Sorgen
Friday February 20th from 9 am to 3 pm - Cost $150 pp

 
Location: Ever Green Park
55051 Township Rd 710
Grande Prairie, AB T8W 5A7

Registration ends on 1/30/2026




Mental Well-Being for Community Leaders (MW) - Growing the North
2/20/2026

Leading Through Challenging Times: Mental Well-Being for Community Leaders (MW)

This course supports leaders who shoulder responsibility during crises; community leaders in public-facing roles—economic developers, elected officials, municipal staff, and nonprofit directors, helping them maintain their own well-being while guiding their teams and communities.
Participants learn practical strategies to manage stress, prevent burnout, and lead with clarity in uncertain situations. The training explores how to build resilience, foster psychologically healthy teams, and create a culture of mental well-being. It also provides tools and resources to support community mental health and navigate high-pressure environments with confidence. Leaders leave with strengthened skills and a network of peers facing similar challenges.

Location website https://evergreenpark.ca

The conference website is https://growingthenorth.com

 Hosted by: County of Grande Prairie and Economic Developers Alberta
Trainer: Leann Hackman-Carty and Joile Wills
Friday February 20th from 9 am to 3 pm 
 
Location: Ever Green Park
55051 Township Rd 710
Grande Prairie, AB T8W 5A7

Registration ends on 1/30/2026





Economic Development for Elected Officials - Hybrid Event (In-person & Online options) (Closed Event)
2/26/2026

Economic Development for Elected Officials

Economic Development 101! - Designed specifically for elected officials and community leaders, this foundational course offers a clear, big-picture understanding of economic development and how it connects to local mandates and priorities. Participants gain practical tools for strategic planning, data-driven decision-making, and understanding the role of local government in community progress. The course explores core economic development strategies, target market identification, and effective value-proposition building. It also highlights the importance of collaboration, funding mechanisms, and performance measurement using KPIs. Finally, attendees learn how to support community economic resilience and their role in helping communities prepare for—and recover from—disruptions.

Location - Flagstaff County Office, 12435 Twp Rd. 442, Sedgewick, AB T0B 4C0
Please note that this event is free to BRAED Communities.
Coffee, tea and lunch will be served.

 

 Hosted by Caroline McAuley, BRAED
Trainer: Trevor Lewington
February 26th from 9 am to 3 pm

 


Location: Flagstaff County Office
12435 Twp Rd. 442
Sedgewick, AB T0B 4C0

There are currently 24 spots remaining out of 33




Business Investment & Attraction (BIA) In-person Closed Event
3/20/2026

Business Investment & Attraction (BIA) ls a Core Course with the EDA Institute

During this in-person session you will;
  • Understand the role of economic development and the importance of implementing a BI&A strategy.
  • Assess community investment readiness, leverage competitive advantages, and build capacity.
  • Develop a comprehensive BI&A strategy, conduct market research, and select appropriate marketing tools.
  • Cultivate relationships with investors and entrepreneurs, identify investment projects, and establish protocols.
Hosted by: Jennifer Hartigh, Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration
Trainer: Trevor Lewington
Tea, Coffee and Lunch will be served
Location: Reynolds Museum 6426-40th Ave., Wetaskiwin

Please note that the deadline to register is Friday February 27, 2026.
Location: Reynolds Museum
6426 - 40th Avenue
Wetaskiwin, AB

Registration ends on 2/27/2026
There are currently 26 spots remaining out of 32