Education
Kentucky Institute for Economic Development (KIED)
The Kentucky Institute for Economic Development (KIED) is a four-day course designed to provide professionals and city and county elected officials with a comprehensive overview of economic development practices. Scheduled from Monday, August 4 to Thursday, August 7, 2025, the program will be held at Bluegrass Community & Technical College’s Newtown Campus in Lexington, KY.
This course is accredited by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). This basic introductory course is the first step to becoming a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD).
KIED offers a blend of instruction, peer learning, and case studies, covering topics such as business retention and expansion, business attraction, and fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem. The curriculum focuses on the development, organization, and operation of economic development activities in both public and private sectors. The faculty comprises seasoned practitioners and consultants recognized for their expertise in economic development.
The sessions include:
- Managing an EDO
- Ethics
- Marketing
- Business Retention and Expansion
- Workforce
- Financing
- Community Development
This course is especially beneficial for those new to economic development, equipping them with the essential tools and knowledge to support business growth, attract new investments, and foster a thriving local economy.
City and county elected officials who attend will have the opportunity to earn outside credit hours and gain valuable insights into economic growth strategies.
A scholarship is available to active KAED members. Please submit the completed application and a current resume by July 1.
For more information, contact: admin@kaedonline.org
