OEDA is your partner for success at every step of your career. Our foundational programs and services are designed to support you in your current position as well as preparing you for future career growth. Whether you’re seeking professional development through ongoing education and training courses, opportunities to connect to key influencers, or representation to the legislature, OEDA opens doors and expands opportunities. Brought to you in part by OEDI training partner JobsOhio.
The Ohio Economic Development Institute is a specialized continuing education program designed to meet the needs of Ohio’s intermediate- and advanced-level economic development professionals. Developed in partnership with JobsOhio and the Ohio University Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs, OEDI delivers high-quality, Ohio-specific training designed to strengthen practitioners and the organizations they serve.
OEDI offers five Core Courses that build critical skills in business retention and expansion, finance and incentives, real estate development, workforce and talent, and site development and site selection. Each course provides practical, state-specific tools to help professionals compete and succeed in today’s fast-moving economic environment.
OEDI also provides the pathway for earning the Ohio Certified Economic Developer (Ohio CED) credential—Ohio’s premier professional designation for advancing careers in economic development.
The Ohio Basic Economic Development Course is Ohio’s premier introductory training for professionals working to strengthen local economies. This intensive program equips economic development practitioners, community leaders, and local government officials with the core knowledge and practical skills needed to drive growth in their communities.
Offered annually, the Basic Course is the essential starting point for anyone new to economic development, transitioning into a role with economic development responsibilities, or serving as an elected or appointed official influencing community and economic outcomes. Participants gain a strong foundation in Ohio’s economic development system, best practices, and real-world tools they can apply immediately.
This course is widely recognized across Ohio as the first step in high-quality economic development training and a launching pad for continued professional development.
The Finance & Incentives Course is a focused two-day training designed to help economic development professionals understand and apply Ohio’s finance and incentive tools with confidence. Through expert instruction, real case studies, panel discussions, and hands-on exercises, participants learn to structure effective deals and navigate both public- and private-sector financing strategies.
Highlights:
• Deep, Ohio-specific learning on finance tools, incentive programs, and real projects
• Opportunities to connect with experienced practitioners and statewide leaders
• Topics include access to capital, tax increment financing, JobsOhio programs, incentive ROI, and more
This course helps participants stay current with the tools and strategies needed to support successful projects in Ohio’s competitive economic development environment.
The Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) Course is an engaging two-day training designed to help economic development professionals strengthen, support, and retain businesses in their communities. Through a mix of expert instruction, hands-on exercises, panel discussions, and real-world case studies, participants gain practical tools they can apply immediately.
Highlights:
• Learn how to design and manage BRE programs that evolve with business needs and industry trends
• Explore how to leverage community resources, partner with JobsOhio sector teams, and align with statewide economic priorities
• Build connections with regional, state, and industry partners
• Topics include workforce dynamics, BRE objectives, industry trends, and marketing and branding for BRE
Participants leave the course with actionable strategies, new relationships, and proven tools to help drive growth and long-term success in their communities.
The Site Development & Site Selection Course is a comprehensive two-day training designed to help economic development professionals prepare competitive sites and understand the full site selection process. Through expert instruction, practical case studies, and interactive discussions, participants gain the skills needed to position their communities and properties for success.
Highlights:
• Learn about the JobsOhio site selection process, SiteOhio certification, the Ohio Future Fund, and best practices for working with site selectors and consultants
• Build connections with industry experts and peers while exploring strategies to strengthen your community’s competitiveness
• Key topics include infrastructure and utilities, RFP data integrity, site visits, and maintaining a strong site pipeline
This course helps participants stay ahead of emerging trends in site development and selection, ensuring their communities are ready to compete for new investment.
The Workforce & Talent Course is a two-day training designed to help economic development professionals understand and address the workforce challenges shaping today’s economy. Through expert instruction, hands-on learning, and real case studies, participants explore strategies to meet business needs while leveraging Ohio’s workforce programs and resources.
Highlights:
• Learn how workforce development functions as a core economic development strategy
• Explore effective partnerships, data-driven decision making, and ways to align community assets with employer needs
• Connect with workforce and economic development leaders through interactive discussions and collaborative activities
• Topics include statewide workforce systems, industry sector partnerships, K–12 talent pipelines, and JobsOhio workforce programs
Participants gain practical tools and insights to support workforce and talent solutions that strengthen businesses and communities across Ohio.
The Real Estate Development & Redevelopment Course is a dynamic two-day training that gives economic development professionals a clear, practical understanding of the full real estate development process—from early concept through project completion. Through expert instruction, interactive discussions, and real-world case studies, participants learn how to evaluate opportunities, structure deals, and move projects forward in their communities.
Highlights:
• Explore key stages of development, including due diligence, market analysis, project feasibility, financing, and long-term management
• Learn how to assess project risks, analyze proformas, navigate public-private partnerships, and identify strategies to overcome development challenges
• Build connections with real estate professionals, developers, and economic development peers through collaborative sessions and group activities
• Topics include market and financial feasibility, ownership structures, risk mitigation, and project financing tools
Participants leave with practical tools and deeper confidence to approach real estate deals, advance redevelopment projects, and strengthen economic growth in their communities.
The Ohio Certified Economic Developer (Ohio CED) credential recognizes economic development professionals who have achieved a high level of knowledge, skill, and practical experience. This voluntary certification demonstrates an individual’s ability to apply economic development principles effectively, contribute meaningful value to their community or organization, and uphold a strong commitment to advancing Ohio’s economy.
The Ohio CED designation is designed for practitioners who want to deepen their expertise and elevate their professional standing. To become a certification candidate, individuals must either complete the Ohio Basic Economic Development Course or have at least 3 years of full-time economic development experience.
Earning the Ohio CED is a meaningful step for professionals looking to strengthen their impact and demonstrate their dedication to Ohio’s economic development profession.
The Legislative Conference is OEDA’s premier spring event, bringing together economic developers, policymakers, and state leaders for two days of advocacy, education, and meaningful connection.
This year’s conference begins the evening of March 24 with a networking reception hosted by Bricker Graydon, offering attendees the opportunity to engage directly with legislative partners and industry peers in an informal setting.
On March 25, attendees will participate in a full day of policy and advocacy programming at The Athletic Club of Columbus. Sessions will feature live legislative updates, discussions with agency leadership, and insights into emerging economic development issues shaping Ohio’s future.
Agenda details and hotel registration information will be available soon.
The Legislative Conference is an essential experience for economic developers, elected officials, and community leaders looking to stay informed, strengthen relationships, and elevate their voice in Ohio’s policy landscape.
The OEDA Annual Summit is the premier gathering of Ohio’s economic development community—three days of high-impact learning, collaboration, and networking with leaders from across the state. Held this year in Dayton, Ohio, the 2026 Summit will bring together more than 400 economic development practitioners, community and state officials, industry partners, and organizations advancing Ohio’s economy.
Attendees will experience a robust agenda featuring plenary sessions, concurrent breakouts, special-topic roundtables, hands-on learning opportunities, and signature networking events. Sessions will explore the most important issues and emerging trends shaping economic development in Ohio, offering practical insights and new strategies for communities of every size.
More details on the agenda, speakers, and special events will be available soon.