0Illinois BEDC is held annually in mid-October in METRO CHICAGO. The Next Accredited Illinois Basic Economic Development Course is being held at Nicor Gas Headquarters on four consecutive days, October 21 - October 23, 2025.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
"Really enjoyed this BEDC Course and learned a ton."
Daniel Coxworth, AICP
Sierra Vista, Arizona
A required course for CEcD
Certified Economic Developer certification
Illinois BEDC
This BASIC Course is primarily designed for Early Career Professionals with less than 10 years of Full-Time Economic Development Experience
Accredited Curriculum – 28 hours of training
Focus: The Investor, The Product, and The Organization
The Importance of your State Economic Development Agency
Community Development Principles
Sustainability
Neighborhood Development
Business Retention
Working with your Community College
Workforce Development
Financing for Business
Small Business Development
Real Estate Principles
Economic Development Ethics
Marketing to Consultants and Prospects
Effectively Working with Utilities
Strategic Planning
Management and Data Management
Best Practices in Rural, Exurban, Suburban and Urban Development
Marketing for Small Business Development
Retail Development
Information for Students:
All students will receive a copy of the IEDC "Introduction to Economic Development" Manual. Course information and instructor powerpoints will be provided on flash drive only. No printed hard copies will be provided. Students are encouraged to bring a laptop computer or tablet. Attendance is required for the entire required curriculum course in order to receive a certificate of completion. No cellphone use is allowed in the classroom.
BEDC Registration Refund Policy:
A full refund will be provided if cancelled one month in advance of the class start date.
No partial refunds will be provided in any circumstance.
If a medical or personal emergency occurs within four weeks of the start of the class, a credit (not a refund), will be provided to attend a future Illinois BEDC.
Schedule of Classes
Four day Course
28 hours of Training
October 20 - October 23, 2025
Nicor Gas Headquarters, Naperville, Illinois
Course Registration Fee – $ 595.00
Early Discount by Aug 1 – $ 500.00
* Class Schedule Subject to Change
Monday, October 20
7:45 a.m. – Registration
7:45a.m. - 5:00p.m. – Class
5:30p.m. - 7:00p.m. - Networking Reception
Tuesday, October 21
7:45a.m. – 6:00 p.m. – Class
Wednesday, October 22
7:45a.m. – 6:00 p.m. – Class
Thursday, October 23
7:45a.m. – 5:30 p.m. – Class
