EDP Elective: Business Retention and Expansion

This episode covers Business Retention and Expansion, or BRE, as one of the most important functions in economic development. It explains how economic developers work with existing businesses to identify needs, prevent closures or relocations, support expansions, improve the business climate, and gather local economic intelligence.Key study themes include BRE program design, business visitation, survey techniques, confidentiality, red flags, technical assistance, workforce needs, financing tools, infrastructure issues, partner referrals, CRM tracking, expansion opportunities, and the connection between BRE, attraction, entrepreneurship, workforce development, and regional competitiveness.This episode was generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence using official IEDC study materials and publications as source material. It is intended for independent study only and is not endorsed, sponsored, reviewed, or approved by the International Economic Development Council.