Economic Development

 
Neighborworks-image-173Comprehensive community revitalization must include methods to improve the local economy, creating an environment that supports the growth of businesses and provides opportunities for entrepreneurs.

The Community Economic Development Professional Certificate Program presents key principles, concepts, and strategies to develop the capacity to effectively respond to the economic challenges facing communities. Participants will gain knowledge on how to create infrastructures to generate jobs, and effectively use financial resources and technical tools to invigorate local businesses.

See Below for Program Details: 

Candidates
How to Earn a Professional Certificate
Program Coursework
Online Testing

Candidates

The Community Economic Development Professional Certificate Program provides a comprehensive curriculum for practitioners involved in program design and implementation, as well as for funders and policy makers.

Courses are appropriate for directors and program staff of:

  • Community development corporations.
  • Community development  financial institutions.
  • Foundations and other funders.
  • Nonprofit organizations.
  • Private financial institutions.
  • State and local government agencies.

Participants will gain the ability to: 

  • Apply community economic development theory.
  • Use data to assess the local economy and evaluate potential projects.
  • Understand the commercial real estate development process and its key players.
  • Evaluate the financial feasibility of real estate development projects.
  • Make the case for a mixed-use project to boards, financing partners and city council.
  • Create an effective revitalization program for business districts.
  • Develop initiatives to help local businesses become successful.
  • Design and administer a loan portfolio for small businesses.

How to Earn a Professional Certificate

Individuals seeking to earn a professional certificate in community economic development must:

  • Submit the enrollment form.
  • Complete all coursework, practical exercises and tests within three years.
It is possible to complete all program requirements in as few as three NeighborWork Training Institutes. With prior approval from the training division staff, candidates may receive credit for relevant courses taken no more than two years prior to enrollment in the program.
  
For answers to questions, call 800-438-5547 or 202-760-4000, or email [email protected].

Program Coursework

The NeighborWorks Training Institute Community Economic Development Professional Certificate Program is designed to equip participants with core knowledge and skills, while allowing them flexibility to tailor learning to meet their professional needs and interests. Candidates should be able to complete the Professional Certificate Program in as a few as three training institutes or in combination with NeighborWorks online eLearning.

Candidates must complete four required introductory courses:
*The final step to finishing the certificate program is to attend Positioning Your Program for Success:  Connecting Program Design to Community Economic Impact (ED210), and complete the in-course project.
 
In addition to the required courses, candidates must complete five elective courses offered under the Community Economic Development curriculum. View the full list of eligible courses.

Online Testing 
Candidates must take the online tests for the applicable required courses. Learn more about online testing for professional certificate program courses.