• 
  • Overview
  • Public Deliberation
  • Leadership Development
  • E-Government
  • The New Hispanic South (SERA-37)
  • Resources
• 
  • Overview
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Business Retention & Expansion
  • National e-Commerce Extension Initiative
  • Sustainable Communities
  • Resources
• 
  • Overview
  • RIDGE Program (Food Assistance/Nutrition)
  • Upward Communities
  • Rural Health (SERA-19)
  • Rural Community College Initiative
  • Responding to Disasters
  • Resources

Overview of BR&E

From annual business appreciation events to programs involving business visits with extensive follow-up and on-going technical assistance, community business retention and expansion activities are as varied as the communities they serve. Historically, communities have established business visitation programs based on one of two distinctly different models. As no two communities are exactly alike, it makes little sense to adopt either of these models and assume that it will work in your community without first analyzing the community and assessing its needs, its business base and its unique human and fiscal resources. Based on this analysis a locally tailored program can be developed that "fits" the community.

Based on education and training needs identified by BRE practitioners, the BREI Basic Course introduces participants to the elements of a successful BRE program. The course provides an assessment and planning framework that can be used to evaluate an established business retention program or design a program tailored to the specific needs and capacity of the local community. Participants will learn to assess a community's readiness to implement a BRE program, design an approach suitable for the community and implement the program.

Upon completion of this training, participants will have gained the knowledge and expertise to develop a workable approach to BRE in their community. In recognition of this expertise, participants are awarded the designation of BREI Certified Project Coordinator. The training also provides the foundation for advanced training for those who pursue BREI's highest level of recognition, Business Retention and Expansion Professional.

Course Objectives

Throughout the course, training is approached in a practical, hands-on way. Participants learn about different approaches through lectures, participant interaction, small group exercises and "face-to-face" conversations with practitioners from a variety of BRE programs.

The objectives of the course are to provide:

• An understanding of BRE as an economic development strategy
• A process for establishing and implementing a locally tailored program
• Basic skills and expertise needed by a BRE Project Coordinator

Conference Information

>> Course Outline
>> Preliminary Agenda
>> Faculty
>> Registration
>> Lodging and Transportation
>> Sponsors