Economic Development Training I Become Certified

Become a CLED

Louisiana's Certified Louisiana Economic Developer credential is highly respected within the profession

Certified Louisiana Economic Developer

This certification path is designed for Economic Development professionals new to the discipline, Chamber of Commerce staff, elected officials, and local civic leaders interested in learning more about the field of economic development. This program is taught in Southeast Louisiana by nationally recognized economic development experts with content tailored specifically to the state of Louisiana. On average, it takes a minimum of 2 years to complete the certification. Only two IEDC courses can be accepted toward Louisiana CLED certification.

Highly Recommended

"Becoming a Certified Louisiana Economic Developer is an essential pathway for those who seek to become career professionals in our state. This designation confirms that an individual has the skills and knowledge necessary to not only perform their duties, but to advance into leadership roles. This certification requires an extensive and collaborative process of coursework and evaluation. Upon completion, economic development professionals are better prepared for leadership, career longevity and personal growth. I encourage every economic development professional serving our state to engage this opportunity and achieve this designation."

Don Pierson, Secretary of Economic Development, State of Louisiana

Basic Economic Development Course Class of 2020

CLED First Graduating Class of 2011

CLED Real Estate Development & Reuse class of 2019

Dr. Ed Bee, CEcD leading a discussion at the CLED Public Policy and Incentives course at Southeastern Louisiana University, September 2018

CLED Business Retention & Expansion class of 2019

Certification Requirements

We created the program to help local communities achieve their goals. Perhaps certification is more than you need? Some of the core classes are very popular and can be taken as a stand alone resource to help you learn best practices in a certain area. Only two IEDC courses can be accepted toward Louisiana CLED certification. You will receive a certificate of completion, and we will maintain record of your achievement should you decide to pursue certification at a later date.

The following describes the certification requirements.

Basic Economic Development (BEDC) Course

- 4 Day Course, certified by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). For complete information, click here.

Core Courses

- Marketing and Attraction

- Business Retention and Expansion

- Real Estate Development and Re-Use

Two Electives (any two of the following)

- Strategic Planning for Economic Development

- Leading and Managing the Economic Development Organization

- Project Financing in Economic Development

- Attracting Foreign Direct Investment

- Community Development

- Small Business & Entrepreneurship

- Ethics in Economic Development

- Workforce Development

- Exporting, Transportation and Logistics

- Understanding and Growing Retail

- Site Development and Certification

- Identifying and Analyzing Target Industries

- Economic Development Credit Analysis

- Other courses developed under the direction of the Dean

Are You Ready to Become CLED Certified?

Step 1: Email lideatraining@gmail.com to verify that you have

completed all required courses.

Step 2: Complete the Application and pay the certification fee.

Click Here.

Step 3: An email will be sent to you and the Dean, Dr. Ed Bee, acknowledging that you have met credentials, and you will be directed to work with Dr. Ed Bee to begin your research paper.

Research Paper

- After successful completion of the six required classes, participants will write a research paper demonstrating the practical application of an aspect of the training under the direction of the Dean.

Download Resource Documents:

Download a summary flyer regarding the program here.
Completed your CLED required courses? Ready to begin your special project? Apply for certification here.
Download instructions for the research paper here.
Download the recertification application here.
Pay your recertification fee ($50) here.