Applied Rural and Indigenous Community Economic Development
| Statement of completion | |
| Priority admission for Indigenous students | |
| Domestic applicants only |
This program builds skills that support economic well-being and quality of life in rural and Indigenous communities. Participants gain practical experience in community economic development and develop a clear understanding of the function, including how to build a business case. The 12-week micro-credential includes six stackable courses and concludes with a strategic action plan.
Courses may be taken separately if you do not require the complete program.
This is a non-credit program offered through Continuing Education and Training.Stay connected
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Registration open. |
Overview
In this 24-week program, you'll complete six courses that combine weekly lectures, practical exercises and knowledge assessments.
Note: Single courses are also available for registration if you do not require the complete program.
You'll learn:
- The core principles of community economic development, emphasizing readiness, leadership and locally driven projects
- Essential economic development skills through data use, collaboration, business retention research and stronger funding readiness
- How governance shapes economic development, exploring governance models and the creation of values‑driven strategic visions
- Key economic development programs
- How strong infrastructure and well‑aligned community plans create the foundation for sustainable economic development
- How to create a strategic action plan that supports continuous improvement
Courses
- ARC 010 - Understanding Community Economic Development
- ARC 011 - Knowing Your Community: Research and Resources
- ARC 012 - Governance and Setting the Foundation
- ARC 013 - Value Through Programming
- ARC 014 - The Infrastructure of Economic Development
- ARC 015 - Developing the Four Year Strategic Action Plan Framework
Schedule
This program runs from Apr. 30 to Dec. 16, 2026.
Costs
Tuition for this program is $2,500.
Tuition for a single course instead of the complete program: $500 per course.
Funded in part by the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills
How to register
To register for this program fill out and submit the digital form. After we've received your registration form, you’ll receive an email from NIC with your next steps. Be sure to add @nic.bc.ca to your safe sender list.
Questions? Connect with our team at cet@nic.bc.ca or 250-334-5005.
To register for a single course rather than the complete program, click the corresponding link below:
- ARC 010 - Understanding Community Economic Development (in person)
- ARC 010 - Understanding Community Economic Development (online)
- ARC 011 - Knowing Your Community: Research and Resources
- ARC 012 - Governance and Setting the Foundation
- ARC 013 - Value Through Programming (registration opening June 1st)
- ARC 014 - The Infrastructure of Economic Development (registration opening June 1st)
- ARC 015 - Developing the Four Year Strategic Action Plan Framework (registration opening June 1st)