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Overview
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 vital 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.
The ability to work and learn independently is critical for this program. 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.
This certificate ladders into the Business Administration diploma, provided students meet the admission requirements for the diploma. Students continuing their education can take the diploma through full-time, part-time or online studies.
Upon successful completion of this program, students will earn a SAIT Community Economic Development certificate.
Careers and opportunities
Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.

Career counselling and support
Unsure which career path is for you? SAIT offers career planning services to help you decide your future.
You can also get started by taking our online career finder quiz, which can help you narrow down your search based on your current skills and interests.
Finally, you can also head to Alberta alis for various tools and resources, including additional quizzes and labour market information to help you narrow down a career path.
Services and workshopsCourses
The Community Economic Development certificate requires 30 credits (10 courses) to complete.
The program spans 30 weeks.
Course | Credits |
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This course introduces financial accounting from the user's perspective, who makes decisions based on financial information. The course introduces the accounting framework, generally accepted accounting principles and financial statements. Accounting concepts such as accounting for cash, accounts receivable, assets, liabilities, sales and inventories, are covered in how they are applied to decision-making. Decision analysis regarding corporate ownership and the application of financial ratios will also be studied. Equivalents:
|
3 |
Communication and Presentation Skills provides the foundational knowledge and skills to compose business documents and give engaging, formal presentations. You will learn to effectively communicate professionally and consider different aspects of spoken, written and nonverbal communication (e.g., channel, content, organization, style, tone, format and mechanics) to share clear and concise messages with your audience. You will be required to work in both individual and collaborative settings. Equivalents:
|
3 |
Macroeconomics introduces you to the operation of the Canadian economy. You will apply economic principles to analyze a national economy. Topics include measuring and analyzing demand and supply, economic performance, and unemployment and inflation, government fiscal, trade, and monetary policies are explored. Equivalents:
|
3 |
Economic development is the process of increasing prosperity within a community or region. This course provides an overview of economic development and the roles of economic development professionals. The course examines community advantages and disadvantages, economic development planning, funding of economic development projects and implementation strategies. The student will develop an economic development plan for a case study community throughout the course. Equivalents:
|
3 |
Entrepreneurship offers insights and experience into the dynamic environment of entrepreneurial thinking and innovation. Working individually through guided content and discoveries, you will evaluate yourself and case studies to identify mindset and career opportunities. In teams, you will work through the development and presentation of an applied business plan to explore the many integrated facets of business in entrepreneurial ventures. Your research, self-discovery, application and collaboration skills will be developed and reinforced as you progress through entrepreneurship and innovation. Pre-requisites:
Equivalents:
|
3 |
Business Leadership will take you on a journey of self-discovery and an inside look at current leadership perspectives today. We all take on leadership roles in our lives. In business, success is often attributed to outstanding leadership. However, today, in business, this role has evolved, as has the business environment. Teamwork is an essential component of an organization’s efficiency and effectiveness. Occasionally, you may be called upon to take on a leadership role for your workgroup, even without a title. Throughout this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills to help you fulfill your leadership role through your understanding of personal and organizational leadership. Pre-requisites:
Equivalents:
|
3 |
Marketing Essentials is an introductory course offering you a solid foundation in marketing principles. Working individually and in teams, you will research and discover how marketing decisions are made and identify the components of sustainable marketing programs. Your research, content application and teamwork skills will be developed and reinforced as you progress through the course. Equivalents:
|
3 |
This introductory course provides an overview of human behaviour in organizations at the individual, group and organizational levels and the effect of each on organizational effectiveness. Topics include individual differences, motivation, communication, teams, power and politics, conflict and negotiation, leadership, organizational culture and change management. Equivalents:
|
3 |
Project Management introduces you to the standards and best practices of the Project Management Institute. We will cover the technical and sociocultural components of project management at an introductory level, including project definition, work breakdown structures, cost and scheduling techniques and an introduction to earned value concepts. Other topics include stakeholder communications, risk management, project leadership and project closure. Equivalents:
|
3 |
Municipal Structure and Governance introduces you to the municipal, provincial and federal government's economic development roles and responsibilities. Additionally, you will assess various economic development delivery models, the role of land, infrastructure and government policy and regulation. The unique challenges, roles and relationships with Indigenous communities will also be addressed. Equivalents:
|
3 |
Progression
Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students 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 >

Explore your options!
Some courses in this program are available through Open Studies. You can complete courses via Open Studies to get a head start on your education, reduce your course load once accepted into a credentialed program, or determine which career path best suits you before you fully commit.
You may also take courses for general interest or personal and professional development.
Available Open Studies coursesAdmission requirements
Applicants educated in Canada
All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency.
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 out what educational documents are accepted and assessment options.
SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.

Academic Upgrading
Missing an admission requirement for this program? Upgrade your prior education to help you receive admission into one of SAIT's career programs.
Upgrade
English language proficiency
All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
Learn moreAvailable intakes
Winter 2024
Start dates:
- Domestic students: Open
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Application deadline: Oct. 26, 2023
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Spring 2024
Start dates:
- Domestic students: Open
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Application deadline: Feb. 23, 2024
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Fall 2024
Start dates:
- Domestic students: Open
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Application deadline: June 28, 2024
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Costs
2023/24 tuition and fees
The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2023. They are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year.
Domestic students
Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees |
Additional fees |
Total per year |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2.5 | $5,910 | $1,800 | $7,710 |
Total cost:
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$7,710 |
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.

Financial aid
Paying for your education may feel overwhelming, but we have resources and programs that can help, including information about payment options, student loans, grants and scholarships.
Learn moreThis program is eligible for Canada Alberta Job Grant funding.
Application process

Ready to apply?
Follow our step-by-step guide to submitting a successful application.
Learn how to applyCommunication during admission
Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications.
We recommend you add the business.advising@sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.
Information sessions
Prepare for a strong start in your chosen program or get the details you need to decide your future path.
Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions and provide information about the following:
- What sets SAIT apart
- An introduction to the program and area of study
- Admission requirements
- Future career paths
- Information on the earning potential and graduate employment rates.
Contact us
Prepare for a strong start and get the details you need to make a decision about your future. Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions, and provide information about:
School of Business Advising
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Phone - 403.284.8485
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