Technical Assistance

Whether it’s analyzing startup activity in the state, authoring a feasibility study for a wilderness lodge in rural Alaska, or evaluating statewide economic strategies, UACED makes research work for our clients by customizing solutions to their challenges. We bring in-depth knowledge of the nuances of economic development in Alaska, and an emphasis on actionable insights rather than research for the sake of research.

Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)/Strategic Planning

A Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is a U.S. Economic Development Administration tool that contributes to effective economic development through a locally-based, regionally-driven economic development planning process. Economic development planning, as implemented through a CEDS, serves as a means to engage community leaders, leverage the involvement of the private sector, and establish a strategic blueprint for regional collaboration. Regions must update their CEDS at least every five years to qualify for U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) programs; a CEDS is also a prerequisite for designation by the EDA as an Economic Development District. UA CED has played a leading role in developing several regional CEDS, as well as Alaska’s first statewide CEDS.

Simply put, a CEDS is a strategy-driven plan for regional economic development (EDA).

Design thinking facilitation

Design Thinking is a process for creative problem solving. Thinking like a designer can transform the way organizations develop products, services, processes, and strategy. This approach brings together what is desirable from a human point of view with what is technologically feasible and economically viable. It also allows people who aren't trained as designers to use creative tools to address a vast range of challenges (IDEO).

UACED’s IDEO-certified staff work with our clients to identify how design thinking tools can help them achieve their goals.

Business Plans

Strategic planning (organizational and community)

Most of us have seen expensive, lengthy strategic plans sitting on a shelf, gathering dust. Unfortunately, this is a frequent outcome of many strategic planning efforts. With this in mind, UACED developed our own process that results in a realistic, living document with actionable goals to be met within the next one to two years. During development, our staff will facilitate realistic conversations about capacity, alignment with mission and vision, and organizational interests.

Feasibility Studies

Strategic Doing implementation

Strategic Doing teaches people how to form collaborations quickly, move them toward measurable outcomes and make adjustments along the way. It is a new strategy discipline that is lean, agile and fast—just what organizations, communities and regions need to survive and thrive (Strategic Doing).

Asking the questions “What could we do?”, “What should we do?”, and “What will we do?” UACED’s staff guides our clients through this process, leveraging and linking assets to meet their goals.

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