Applications are now open for the 2017/18 Certificate Program for Community Economic Development. The next program runs from October 2017 to May 2018. There are only 28 spots available, so apply today.

Are you action-oriented and community-focused? Do you want to be part of an active and supportive network of professionals and entrepreneurs working to build inclusive and sustainable local economies? SFU's Certificate Program for Community Economic Development is the place for you.

Every year, we have a wide mix of students from across the province: community builders, social workers, social entrepreneurs, community economic developers and other movers and shakers of all different stripes.

That's one of the things that makes this program so successful, the diversity of people coming together to collaborate on making positive change in their communities. 

The program involves 2 one-week residencies in Vancouver, with the rest of the program delivered in a live, interactive, online classroom.

Our courses

Here are few of the courses you will study over the year. Find a full list of courses here.

Indigenomics: This course examines place-based values while honouring the powerful thinking of Indigenous wisdom in the context of local economics, relationship building and humanity.

Locanomics: Looking at over 50 case studies, this course outlines a framework for building a local living economy.

Making Change Happen: This course uses both theory and practice to explore strategies for affecting change in your communities.

Social Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Enterprise: By digging deep and learning about the innovators and entrepreneurs in your communities, this course explores the roles of entrepreneurship and social innovation in the transition to a new economy.

Our instructors

Our instructors are accomplished practitioners with a passion for change and community development. They have substantial experience in their respective fields, with exceptional ratings from students who have completed our program. Our instructor's include one of the world's leading experts on community economics, successful entrepreneurs, and dynamic leaders of the new economy in British Columbia. Read more about our instructors here.

Is this program for you?

Your attitude and experience matter most. You have a bias towards action. You are both community and results oriented.

Formally, we look for 3 years experience and an undergraduate degree. If you don't have an undergraduate degree, we look at a combination of your lifelong learning and work experiences to admit you. Some of our most accomplished graduates do not have an undergraduate degree.

If you are interested in finding out more about the program, contact ced_info at sfu.ca.

Join SFU's Certificate Program for Community Economic Development and start building a sustainable local economy today.