Creating vibrant, resilient and sustainable local economies

Community Economic Development (CED) is action by people locally to create economic opportunities that improve social conditions, particularly for those who are most disadvantaged.

CED is an approach that recognizes that economic, environmental and social challenges are interdependent, complex and ever-changing.

To be effective, solutions must be rooted in local knowledge and led by community members. CED promotes holistic approaches, addressing individual, community and regional levels, recognizing that these levels are interconnected.

The activities of CCEDNet members are as varied as the communities they live in. 

But they often focus on three strategies to improve local well-being:

• supporting individuals
• building enterprises
• strengthening communities  (click on any of the images below to see a larger version)

"The only way we can promote inclusive and more sustainable growth is by working with our local communities. Development is always a bottom up process. Taking an integrated approach that cuts across employment, skills, economic development, the social economy, and entrepreneurship is absolutely crucial."

Angel Gurria, Secretary-General of the
Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development,
in his address to ECONOUS2016, the National CED Conference.

Learn more about CED and how it's strengthening communities throughout Canada:

• CED: A Communities Agenda (4-page brochure)
   
• 'Intro to CED' Publications
   
• What's New in CED
   
• Profiles of CED in Manitoba
   
• CED Profiles in Ontario
   
• Video Presentation on the Contribution of CED and the Social Economy to Local Economic Development

To stay connected to CED news and events from across Canada and around the world, follow CCEDNet on social media: