Jobs and income are critical to a town or neighbourhood's way of life; so are education, safety, housing, a healthy environment, and a vibrant social and cultural life. People used to think if businesses brought jobs and income, the rest would in time follow.

But there is a better way.

Community economic development (CED) is the process by which people build organizations and partnerships that interconnect profitable business with other interests and values - like quality jobs, marketable skills, good health, affordable housing, equal opportunity, and ecological responsibility. Businesses become an integral part of a far greater agenda - a local movement to build (or rebuild) a community that is creative, inclusive, and sustainable in the near and distant future.

CED is one of the most challenging things your town, constituency, or organization may ever undertake. There's no need to do it alone.

The Canadian Centre for Community Renewal is a pre-eminent source of expertise and resources in starting and strengthening CED organizations, revitalizing communities, developing community-minded businesses, CED curriculum design and delivery, and publishing - including the quarterly CED magazine Making Waves. Check out these pages for details about training, technical assistance, research, and our other services and products.

If it's inspiring, practical, and provocative services and resources you require, you've come to the right place.