Community Economic Development

Traits, skills and aptitudes

Those who work in community economic development tend to be directive, innovative, and social.  

You need: 

• an energetic and engaging personality 
• strong interest in the business community 
• critical thinking and problem-solving skills 
• advanced research skills 
• a strategic mindset 
• the ability to analyze and condense information in a logical way 
• confidence in presenting concepts 
• communication skills 
• the ability to give clear, concise advice and recommendations 
• relationship-building skills 
• the ability to manage complex projects 
• the ability to work under pressure and juggle different agendas 
• leadership skills. 

You should enjoy working with people, finding new ways to handle problems, and conducting research.  

Academic path

This certificate provides you with options to advance your education. 

Graduates can receive credit for up to 10 courses required for the Business Administration diploma or Bachelor of Business Administration degree (varies by major). Additional admission requirements apply. 

Credential

Upon successfully completing this program, you’ll earn a SAIT Community Economic Development certificate.

Program length

30 weeks

Not open to international applicants

This program is not available to international applicants at this time. 

CAJG-eligible

This program is eligible for the Canada Alberta Job Grant. 

Related careers

Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.

Potential careers (NOC):

• Government managers - economic analysis, policy development and program administration (40011)
• Business development officers and market researchers and analysts (41402)
• Urban and land use planners (21202)
• Social policy researchers, consultants and program officers (41403)
• Social and community service workers (42201)

Admission requirements - Applicants educated in Canada

Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency.

There are no further requirements to enter this program.

Admission requirements - Applicants educated outside of Canada

All applicants who were educated outside of Canada must demonstrate English language proficiency and provide proof they meet the program admission requirements with an international document assessment. Find accepted educational documents and assessment options. 

SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.

Program outline

The Community Economic Development certificate requires 30 credits (10 courses) to complete.

The program spans 30 weeks, with two semesters.

Required courses

• ACCT 215 - Introductory Financial Accounting I 3 Credits
• COMN 220 - Communication and Presentation Skills 3 Credits
• ECON 305 - Macroeconomics 3 Credits
• ECON 355 - Economic Development Fundamentals 3 Credits
• ENTR 350 - Entrepreneurship 3 Credits
• LDSH 360 - Leadership 3 Credits
• MKTG 260 - Marketing Essentials 3 Credits
• MNGT 250 - Organizational Behaviour 3 Credits
• MNGT 321 - Project Management 3 Credits
• MNGT 367 - Municipal Structure and Governance 3 Credits

Progression

You must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better each semester and pass the prerequisite courses to progress through the program.

To qualify for graduation, you must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.

Review our grading and progression procedure > 

Books and supplies

Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.

This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.

Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore’s website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date. Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn’t receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you’re in luck; no textbook purchase is required this term.

Business program advising

For any questions or to set up an advising appointment, please get in touch with our School of Business.

Phone: 403.284.8485
Email: business.advising@sait.ca

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.

Graduate outcomes

A. Safety - awareness of safety standards relevant to the workplace.

• Safety awareness

B. Responsible leadership - personal, ethical and respectful behaviour 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 professionally and effectively.

• 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 critical thinking
• Quantitative literacy
• Technological literacy

E. Technical knowledge, skills and abilities - technical competence specific to the discipline or industry.

• Specialized technical skill set