Does your job require you to have a robust understanding of economic development? Do you make decisions that impact your local or regional economy and quality of life?
In 1986, Ball State University offered its first accredited Indiana Economic Development Course. Entering its 40th year, the week-long course—the official “basic course” for the International Certified Economic Developer Certification—offers intensive training in the basic concepts, methods, and strategies of economic, industrial, business, entrepreneurial, workforce, and community development. It is a comprehensive educational experience in the theory and practice of holistic approaches to building and sustaining vibrant communities. Upon successful completion, participants join the ranks of over 2,200 alumni serving their communities, counties, regions, and states in capacities ranging from local economic development officials, community developers, consultants, and elected officials.
Details
Space is limited. Non-scholarship seats are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants will be contacted within two weeks to confirm their registration status after submitting the online application form.
Fee
The course fee for all participants in 2026 is $745 early bird, through April 15, 2026. After April 15, 2026 the cost is $795. This fee covers instruction, training resources, a class picture, and the provided meals for the week (daily continental breakfasts, Friday buffet breakfast, Monday through Thursday lunches, and an evening reception).
Course Curriculum
A diverse and experienced faculty of experts covers the key elements of economic development. The curriculum, shared by other “basic courses” sanctioned throughout the United States and Canada, is augmented by state- and region-specific subject matter. Case studies are utilized to ensure real-world practicality and hands-on learning.
The following topics are among those covered at the “basic” Indiana Economic Development Course, which is accredited by the International Economic Development Council and serves as the first step to becoming a Certified Economic Developer (should that be of interest). They are listed in no particular order.
- managing economic development organizations
- professional ethics
- strategic planning
- small business and entrepreneurship development
- real estate development and reuse
- marketing/business attraction
- business retention and expansion
- workforce development
- community/neighborhood development
- economic development finance
- community assets and prioritization
- leadership
- data gathering and analysis
- economic trends
- state policy and resources
Accreditation
The Indiana EDC is accredited by the International Economic Development Council which accredits a number of Basic Economic Development Courses (BEDC) that provide the foundation for entry-level economic development practitioners, allied professionals, community leaders, and volunteers. The Indiana EDC and other EDC/BEDCs serve as the equivalent to IEDC’s Introduction to Economic Development Course for those interested in the CEcD Certification through IEDC. For information on other basic economic development courses accredited by the IEDC, please see their website.
About the Council
The International Economic Development Council is a membership organization that serves thousands of economic development professionals from around the world with unparalleled expertise and collective influence. IEDC develops policies to advance the profession of economic development and serves as a clearinghouse for information on local economic problems and solutions. It also fosters the interchange of ideas and education experiences.
Questions?
Contact Brian Blackford, Director of Program Development and Training
IEDC
734 15th Street, NW, Suite 900
Washington, DC 20005
202-223-7800
Fax 202-223-4745
Visit website.
Agenda
The following agenda is a basic outline for this year's course and is subject to change.
Monday
- 9:00 a.m. – Registration
- 10:00 a.m. – Welcome and Course Overview
- 11:00 a.m. – Economic Development Context and Concepts
- 12:15 p.m – Lunch and Learn
- 1:30 p.m. – Managing Economic Development Organizations
- 3:30 p.m. – Break
- 3:45 p.m. – Professional Ethics
- 6:15 p.m. – Adjourn
Tuesday
- 7:15 a.m. – Horizon Convention Center: Continental Breakfast
- 8:00 a.m. – Strategic Planning
- 10:00 a.m. – Break
- 10:15 a.m. – Data Analysis
- 11:15 a.m. - Challenge (TBA)
- 12:15 p.m. – Lunch and Learn
- 1:45 p.m. – Small Business & Entrepreneur Development
- 3:45 p.m. – Break
- 4:00 p.m. – Real Estate Redevelopment & Reuse
- 6:15 p.m. – Pictures and Reception
Wednesday
- 7:15 a.m. – Horizon Convention Center: Continental Breakfast
- 8:00 a.m. – Business Retention & Expansion
- 10:00 a.m. – Break
- 10:15 a.m. – Marketing & Attraction
- 12:15 p.m. – Lunch and Learn
- 1:45 p.m. – Workforce Development
- 3:45 p.m. – Break
- 4:00 p.m. – Community/Neighborhood Development
- 6:15 p.m. – Adjourn
Thursday
- 7:15 a.m. – Horizon Convention Center: Continental Breakfast
- 8:00 a.m. – Economic Development Finance
- 10:00 a.m. – Break
- 10:15 a.m. – Elected Leaders' Perspective on Economic Development
- 12:15 p.m. – Lunch and Learn
- 1:45 p.m. – Comprehensive Community Wealth Approach
- 3:45 p.m. – Break
- 4:00 p.m. – Challenge (TBA)
- 6:15 p.m. - Adjourn
Friday
- 7:15 a.m. – Horizon Convention Center: Full Breakfast
- 8:00 a.m. – Perspectives on the Local Economy
- 9:00 a.m. – Break
- 9:15 a.m. – Challenge (TBA)
- 11:00 a.m. – What's Next?
- 11:30 a.m. - Graduation
- 12:00 p.m. - Adjourn
Course Location
The course is held annually at the Horizon Convention Center, located in downtown Muncie, Indiana. Parking is complimentary and located off of Liberty & Howard streets. Lunch is catered in-house.
Visit Website View Directions & Parking
Lodging, Dining, and Recreation
If you are planning to stay in Muncie during the course, please consider booking a room at our partner hotel. A limited number of rooms are being offered at a special rate of $134, by the Courtyard Muncie at the Horizon Convention Center (if booked by April 3, 2026). To reserve a spot at the Courtyard Muncie, which is attached to the venue, book now.
To look for other nearby options, visit the Muncie Visitors Bureau website.
The Courtyard Muncie located in downtown Muncie and attached to the Horizon Convention Center, features a Starbucks and dining options— the Courtyard Bistro—among other amenities.
To secure a special rate plus tax at the Courtyard by Marriott, call 765-287-8550 and mention the the “Indiana Economic Development Course” or “Indiana Communities Institute.”
Participants are responsible for making their own lodging arrangements and for paying all related expenses.
Sponsors
Many thanks to
Duke Energy for their generous support of the “Lunch and Learn” series and evening reception.
Register
If you’re interested in attending our course, then please complete our online registration form.
Cancellations
All payments are due prior to the start of the course. Should you need to cancel, you must notify Angie Popplewell (
acpopplewell@bsu.edu or at 765-285-4912) directly.
Deadline for cancelation is April 15, 2026. Refunds will be
minus the service fee. Refunds for cancellations
after the deadline cannot be given. Failure to comply with our cancellation policy may result in you or your organization being held responsible for the full cost of the course. If you are receiving a scholarship, please note that your provider may have different cancellation policies in place. It is your responsibility to consult with them prior to cancelling with us.
Scholarship recipients who cancel after the refund deadline will be held personally responsible for the entire course fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
This year’s course fee for all participants is $695 early bird registration, $745 after March 31, 2023.
The course fee covers instruction, training resources, a class picture, and the provided meals for the week (daily continental breakfasts, Monday through Thursday lunches, and an evening reception sponsored by Duke Energy).
Continental breakfast is served Tuesday through Thursday morning in the Horizon Convention Center from 7:15 a.m. through 8 a.m. Although the menu will vary, this normally includes fresh fruit, rolls, muffins, bagels or donuts, coffee, tea, and fruit juices. We will provide a hot, country-style buffet breakfast on Friday morning from 7:15 a.m. through 8 a.m. Lunch will be provided on Monday through Thursday. An evening reception typically occurs on Tuesday, but the timing is subject to change.
This course is generously supported by a number of organizations dedicated to the development and prosperity of Indiana.
See our sponsors above for a list of utilities that offer full non-credit tuition scholarships to participants who reside in their Indiana service areas.
All program sessions will be held at the Horizon Convention Center, 401 South High Street, Muncie, Indiana.
A full refund will be given if notice of cancellation is received by the specified date. No refund will be given for any cancellations received after that time.
Replacement participants may be accepted to the class with permission of the appropriate scholarship provider if applicable. Scholarship recipients wishing to cancel their registration should inform the scholarship provider - in writing - of their intention, so that the scholarship might be awarded to someone else.
Scholarship recipients who cancel after the refund deadline will be held personally responsible for the entire course fee.
Students attending the Indiana Economic Development Course are required to attend all sessions to successfully complete the course. If an illness, family emergency, or business emergency arises, the course director should be contacted immediately. Attendance is recorded at various times throughout the course. No refunds can be given for time absent during the course. Participants receiving a scholarship should be mindful of their provider’s attendance requirements.
Check in is from 9 am to 10 am on Monday, May 16. The course will begin promptly at 10 am and continue through 6 pm on the first day. On Tuesday through Thursday, sessions begin at 8 am and conclude at 6 pm. On Friday, the start time is 8 am and we’ll be wrapped up by 12 pm. Breakfast is offered each day (except Monday) starting at 7:15 am. There is a reception, sponsored by Duke Energy, on Tuesday at 6:30. A class picture precedes it.
Speakers are aware that there may be non-Indiana residents in the group, but presentations may still lean toward in-state and surrounding states' data. If the demographics of your state vary significantly from Indiana, you may find some presentations less applicable, but all participants are welcome.
We are happy to provide special lunches for participants with food allergies and other dietary restrictions. Please let us know on your registration form if you will need special accommodations. We cannot guarantee special meals if we are not made aware of your needs in advance.
The Horizon Convention Center offers free wireless internet service, but large amounts of Internet traffic can cause it to be intermittent.