Program Overview

Introduction to the Indiana Economic Development Course

The Indiana Economic Development Course is a week-long program offered by Ball State University, designed to provide intensive training in the basic concepts, methods, and strategies of economic development. Entering its 40th year, the course is the official "basic course" for the International Certified Economic Developer Certification.

Course Details

• Duration: May 4-8, 2026
• Location: Horizon Convention Center, downtown Muncie, Indiana
• Fee: $745 early bird, through April 6, 2026; $795 after April 6, 2026
• Coverage: The course fee includes instruction, training resources, a class picture, and provided meals for the week.

Course Curriculum

The curriculum covers key elements of economic development, including:

• Managing economic development organizations
• Professional ethics
• Strategic planning
• Small business and entrepreneurship development
• Real estate development and reuse
• Marketing/business attraction
• Business retention and expansion
• Workforce development
• Community
  eighborhood development
• Economic development finance
• Community assets and prioritization
• Leadership
• Data gathering and analysis
• Economic trends
• State policy and resources

Accreditation

The Indiana Economic Development Course is accredited by the International Economic Development Council, serving as the first step to becoming a Certified Economic Developer.

Agenda

The course agenda includes:

• Monday: Registration, welcome, course overview, economic development context and concepts, managing economic development organizations, professional ethics
• Tuesday: Strategic planning, data analysis, small business and entrepreneurship development, real estate redevelopment and reuse
• Wednesday: Business retention and expansion, marketing and attraction, workforce development, community
  eighborhood development
• Thursday: Economic development finance, elected leaders' perspective on economic development, comprehensive community wealth approach
• Friday: Perspectives on the local economy, challenge, graduation

Lodging and Dining

A limited number of rooms are available at the Courtyard Muncie at a special rate of $134, if booked by April 3, 2026. The course provides continental breakfasts, lunches, and an evening reception.

Sponsors

The course is supported by various organizations, including Duke Energy, which sponsors the "Lunch and Learn" series and evening reception.

Cancellations

All payments are due prior to the start of the course. Cancellations must be made by April 15, 2026, to receive a refund minus the service fee.

Attendance Policy

Students are required to attend all sessions to successfully complete the course. No refunds can be given for time absent during the course.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Course cost and inclusions: The course fee covers instruction, training resources, a class picture, and provided meals.
• Meals: Continental breakfasts, lunches, and an evening reception are provided.
• Scholarships: Available through various organizations, including Duke Energy and NIPSCO.
• Location: The Horizon Convention Center, downtown Muncie, Indiana.
• Cancellation policy: Refunds are given if cancellation is made by the specified deadline.
• Attendance requirements: Students must attend all sessions to complete the course.
• Dietary restrictions: Special meals can be provided with advance notice.
• Wi-Fi: Free wireless internet service is available at the Horizon Convention Center.