Webinars

UPCOMING WEBINARS

Webinars are a member-benefit to current NREDA members, and $25 for non-members. 

July Webinar: 

Overcoming Childcare Barriers: Solutions for Economic Development

Addressing the childcare shortages is essential for enhancing workforce participation and fostering economic growth. In the US, over half of the population resides in “childcare deserts,” areas where the demand for childcare services significantly outpaces supply. This scarcity not only hinders parents’ ability to work but also affects local economies. For instance, studies indicate that improving access to affordable childcare could boost GDP by up to $7.5 billion. Join us for a presentation on innovative solutions and best practices from community leaders across the nation. Join Golden Shovel Agency, and learn how to expand childcare capacity, collaborate with key stakeholders, and leverage funding opportunities to make a lasting impact.

Day/Time: July 23, 2025 2:00 p.m. ET/1:00 p.m. CT 

August Webinar: 

Revitalizing Rural America: Empowering Downtown Entrepreneurs Through Strategic Development

Rural downtowns face unique challenges in today's economy, yet they remain vital hubs for entrepreneurship and community identity. This webinar explores proven strategies for economic developers to transform downtown districts into thriving small business ecosystems. Drawing from successful case studies and implementable approaches, this webinar will demonstrate how targeted incentives, innovative space solutions, and supportive infrastructure can catalyze rural entrepreneurship. Participants will discover how investing in downtown vitality creates a multiplier effect—attracting diverse businesses, increasing foot traffic, and fostering community wealth that extends beyond the downtown core. From micro-retail opportunities to restaurant incubators, this session provides practical tools for communities seeking to harness their distinctive assets and empower local entrepreneurs.

Learning Objectives:

  • Identify effective incentive programs specifically tailored to rural downtown entrepreneurs
  • Explore innovative approaches to micro-retail and food-based business development
  • Learn strategies for creating affordable, flexible incubator spaces in existing downtown buildings
  • Understand the connection between downtown placemaking and entrepreneurial ecosystem development
  • Create an action plan for implementing entrepreneur-focused downtown initiatives in your community
Day/Time: August 26, 2025 1:00 p.m. ET/12:00 p.m. CT 
 
Upcoming webinars (registration coming soon):

 

ON-DEMAND WEBINARS

"Beyond the Factory Floor: Rethinking Rural Workforce Through the Lens of Retail"
Tuesday, June 24, 2025

"Rural Advocacy Strategies: Winning with Practical Tactics from the Inside"
Wednesday, May 28, 2025

"Key Partnerships and KPI for Rural Economic Development"
Thursday, December 12, 2024

"What Salary Surveys Mean for your Next Professional Step"
Tuesday, October 29, 2024

"Economic Development Essentials"
Wednesday, August 21, 2024

"Making Your Rural Advocacy Voice Heard"
Wednesday, June 26, 2024

"Workforce Housing"
Wednesday, March 27, 2024

"How Amazon Hub and Rural America are Collaborating"
Tuesday, October 24, 2023

"Tell Your Local Story" Webinar Featuring the Daytripper
Commitment to Community
Tuesday, June 6, 2023
            
"Empowering Retail Retention and Recruitment in Your Community"
Wednesday, March 15, 2023

We want to hear from you!  NREDA encourages you to submit your proposed session topics/presentations to be considered for a future Member Webinar or Annual Conference!  Sessions should be educational and a benefit to NREDA members.  In-person sessions that are  interactive are always well-received, and webinar and in-person panels that offer various perspectives are desirable!
    
Did you miss a webinar?  NREDA Members may access the webinar recordings by logging into your member account on the website and visiting https://nreda.memberclicks.net/webinar-recordings. (Be sure to login first and make sure your membership is current, as this page can only be viewed and accessed by current members.)