Community Economic Development

About CED

Community economic development (CED) is based on a philosophy that people in communities can best make decisions about local opportunities and challenges. Community Futures East Central Alberta helps communities take a leadership role in defining their futures and achieving sustainable development.

Rural Diversification Initiative (RDI)

Rural Diversification Initiative Funds are available for groups from within the East Central region, in partnership with Community Futures East Central Alberta.

This funding is available for projects that diversify and broaden the economic base of the region. All projects must have the support of industry and the appropriate municipal government(s). Municipal support is required to ensure that each project meets the broader community objectives of both the community and the region. Community Futures must also be a partner on each project. Community Futures is available to assist in project development, fund sourcing and on-going support. Project dollars are not available from the Community Futures East Central Alberta organization.

Rural economic diversification is a process with the long-term goal of building a community that has long-term sustainability, resiliency in the face of change, and a broad economic base with a variety of types of businesses and jobs. As a process, rural economic diversificiation is community-based and rooted in a strategic analysis of the community's strengths and advantages. RDI funds will be used to facilitate informed, strategic investment decisions within coherent regional development strategies with w goal of regional competitiveness. All projects funded by RDI will be rooted in a community economic development strategy that is based on the region's unique strengths and comparative advantages.