Program Description
The Community Economic Development certificate is designed for individuals currently working in or wanting to enter the growing field of community economic development including small business development and municipal or government relations. These practical business courses cover key topics such as partnerships between business and government, project management, writing business plans and project proposals, and communication skills. Students can develop the holistic skill set needed for local economic development in rural and urban communities.
This program is available entirely online through Distance Education, with some courses also available through part-time studies. Students can transfer these courses to the full-time or part-time Business Administration diploma (Management major).
Your Career
Graduates of this program will gain the skills and knowledge needed to start or advance their career in positions such as economic development officer, liaison officer, community development officer, planning officer, and program officer in a variety of organizations such as municipal governments, economic development agencies, small businesses, and nonprofits.
Student Success
The ability to work and learn independently is critical in Distance Education. Other factors relating to student success include:
- Time management skills
- Analytical skills
- Computer skills
Students who are engaged and take advantage of various services usually experience more success in SAIT programs.
Credentials
Upon successful completion of this program, students will earn a SAIT Community Economic Development certificate.
Laddering
This certificate ladders into the SAIT Business Administration diploma, provided students meet the admission requirements for the diploma. Students continuing their education have the option to take the diploma through full-time, part-time or online studies.
Admission Requirements
To get started, simply submit an application through ApplyAlberta. All applicants, including students educated in Canada, must demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission. There are no additional entrance requirements for this program.
Program Outcomes
1. Analyze and interpret financial statements.
2. Develop project proposals that support economic development.
3. Manage project documentation, execution and reporting.
4. Prepare strategic and operational plans.
5. Manage marketing activities.
6. Demonstrate fundamentals of entrepreneurship.
7. Write and critique business plans.
8. Recommend solutions for business concerns.
9. Integrate political and community factors to make effective decisions and recommendations.
10. Manage staff and office operations.
11. Identify and cultivate economic opportunities.
12. Facilitate collaboration and partnership development.
SAIT Graduate Outcomes
A. Safety - Awareness of safety standards relevant to the workplace
- Safety awareness
B. Responsible Leadership - Personal, ethical and respectful behavior within the workplace and global community
- Teamwork and multi-disciplinary collaboration
- Self-Initiative
- Ethical reasoning and action
- Global awareness
- Sustainability
C. Communication - The exchange of information in a professional and effective manner
- Language skills
- Interpersonal skills
D. Information Literacy - The strategies used to become informed from recognizing an information need, to accessing and evaluating information and using it effectively and ethically
- Problem solving and/or Critical thinking
- Quantitative literacy
- Technological literacy
E. Technical Knowledge, Skills and Abilities - Technical competence specific to the discipline or industry
- Specialized, technical skill set
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