New Economic Development Officers

If you’re a new Economic Development Officer (EDO) or looking for the basics about working as an EDO, you’ve come to the right place!

Please explore the resources below. You can also fill out the Contact Us form and get connected with an EDO mentor.

Training & Tools

13 Things You Should Know About Economic Development

PowerPoint presentation with general recommendations for Economic Development produced by an economic development consulting agency EDCD Consulting.

Cando Guidebooks

Preview the Tables of Contents of Cando’s guidebooks, available for purchase in English and French. These guidebooks cover an extensive list of economic development topics, from Community Planning to Managerial Accounting to New Venture Development.

Community Self-Assessment

What economic development assets does your community already have? What do you need to move forward with community economic development? Take this community self-assessment to find out.

Introduction to Project Management

PowerPoint presentation that clearly explains the basics of project management including terms and processes.

Introduction to Training

An overview of Cando’s approach to training with a link to request custom training and links to the National Youth Panel and NIEEF Scholarships initiatives.

Journal of Aboriginal Economic Development (JAED)

Past articles can be reviewed at the Indigenous Portal at the University of Saskatchewan  https://iportal.usask.ca/  by searching “Journal of Aboriginal Economic Development.”

Orientation to Working as an Indigenous EDO

Explore the role of Economic Development Officers (EDOs) in fostering sustainable growth within Indigenous communities. This guide introduces the key responsibilities, competencies, and unique opportunities for EDOs to drive economic empowerment.

Procurement Showcases

Procurement showcases are events designed to connect Indigenous businesses with government agencies and corporations seeking to fulfill procurement goals, such as the 5% Indigenous business procurement target.

Resource Links

Access a collection of tools and resources for Economic Development Officers and communities, with links to organizations and services that support economic development activities.

Starting a First Nation Economic Development Strategic Plan

Understand how to start a community Economic Development Strategy plan in this PowerPoint with clear explanations and graphics.

Transforming Indigenous Procurement Survey 2023

This survey explored the experiences of Indigenous businesses and communities in the realm of public procurement in Canada. The report provides insight and calls to action.

Certification

11 Competencies of Indigenous EDOs

Explore the 11 competencies needed for the job of an Aboriginal EDO. Many are also useful in other jobs and areas of life.

About Certification

Read about certification in TAED and PAED through Cando and the updated competencies. Certification can open doors to new opportunities, connect you with a network of professionals, and empower you to make a lasting impact on Indigenous economies.

Cando Membership

Cando membership benefits, categories, costs, and links to the Cando membership form, membership category chart, and Cando code of ethics.

Certification Graduates

Meet the Economic Development Officers (EDOs) that have graduated with their TAED and PAED designations.

Certification Stories

Personal stories of Economic Development Officers (EDOs) who have benefited from Cando certifications. These stories show how certification has enhanced their credibility and helped them advance in their careers.

College/University Programs for EDOs

List (with links) of accredited programs for Economic Development Officers (EDO) available through colleges and universities across Canada.

Professional Aboriginal Economic Developer (PAED) Certification

Overview of the Professional Aboriginal Economic Developer (PAED) certification, requirements, and who to contact for more information.

Technical Aboriginal Economic Developer (TAED) Certification

Overview of the Technician Aboriginal Economic Developer (TAED) certification, competencies, steps for certification, and who to contact for more information.

Economic Development Opportunity

Connect

Cando Conferences

Plan to attend the next conference, an excellent opportunity to learn, sharpen skills, and network.

Connect Magazine

Published six times a year, Cando Connect is a digital magazine offering content to both inspire and inform our diverse membership and stakeholders.

Economic Development Open Forum

The Open Forum is a space for Economic Development Officers (EDOs) to engage in meaningful discussions, share best practices, and collaborate on challenges related to Indigenous economic development.

Success Stories