Rural Development: Tools and Resources

• Canadian Sustainability Plan Inventory - a searchable online inventory of sustainability plans in Canada created and maintained by the University of Alberta’s Centre for Sustainable Rural Communities (ACSRC).

• Rural Alberta: Attracting and Retaining People - a resource guide to assist rural communities in Alberta wishing to attract and retain population to address their long-term economic needs. The database includes information and links to web based resources, initiatives and programs.

• Alberta Culture and Community Spirit- Community Services - Provides a range of services and support for building and enhancing the capacity of communities, organizations and their leaders to, achieve their goals.

• Center for Community and Economic Development - UWEX - The Centre works to create, apply and transfer multi-disciplinary knowledge to help people understand community change and identify opportunities.

• CIEL - Centre for Innovative and Entrepreneurial Leadership - CIEL is a Canadian centre of excellence in community, entrepreneurial and economic leadership. It provides tools, training and solutions that help communities and organizations realize their potential.

• Community Toolbox - Bringing Solutions to Light - The Community Tool Box is the world's largest resource for free information on essential skills for building healthy communities.

• Home Town Competitiveness - Based in Nebraska, HTC is a comprehensive approach to long-term rural community sustainability.

• Knowledge Connector - provides links to learning opportunities for those interested in leadership in the non-profit/voluntary sector

• The Rural Economic Development Action Plan - A report on a plan laying out strategies & actions building on the strength of Alberta's rural economy to achieve maximum benefit for rural communities.
• The Community Economic Development (CED) Choice Matrix (CM) is designed to assist community practitioners and stakeholders find CED tools that are right for them and their projects. The CM website provides practitioners with multiple navigation and searching options.

• Alberta Regional Development - A Government of Alberta site focused on economic development across the province.

• Inventory of Rural Community Economic Development Tools and Guides - A joint project of the Governments of Alberta and British Columbia,The Inventory of Rural Community Economic Development Tools and Guides in Alberta and British Columbia is a consolidated list of tools and guides produced and/or used in either province.

• Community and Regional Economic Development Funding Programs - A list of funding programs provided by Alberta Finance and Enterprise, updated September 2011.

• Community Economic Development Toolkit - Developed by the Northern Alberta Development Council for economic development professionals, municipal managers and board members of various community organizations, this economic development tool kit provides an easy to use one step resource.

• The Business Link - The Business Link is your first stop for business information and services in Alberta.