Economic development education and training
New approaches for creating vibrant, dynamic communities are emerging all the time. The Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC) and University of Waterloo have partnered to offer a suite of professional development programming to get economic development professionals up to speed and at the leading edge.
Our courses and seminars are accredited by EDAC and will help you get your Certified Economic Developer designation (EcD).
The University of Waterloo also offers a Master of Economic Development & Innovation that can be taken either full-time or part-time.
Financial assistance for our Year 1, 2 and 3 courses and seminars is available for Ontario residents through the Province of Ontario's OSAP micro-credentials stream. To apply please visit the Ontario Student Assistance Program's webpage.
After nearly four decades with the University of Waterloo’s Economic Development Program, Sharon Jones retires, leaving a lasting legacy of care and continuity. A trusted presence for participants, speakers and partners, she was the glue behind the program’s success. Sharon worked behind the scenes to ensure the program ran smoothly through decades of growth and change. Her contributions were felt across the entire community and country, helping shape the program. As she enters retirement, the program extends its sincere gratitude and best wishes for a future filled with ease, joy, and well-earned fun!
The Economic Development Program would like to acknowledge that we are on the traditional territory of the Attawandaron (Neutral), Anishnaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. The University of Waterloo is situated on the Haldimand Tract, land promised to Six Nations, which includes six miles on each side of the Grand River.