Fliss earns Entrepreneurship Development Professional Credential from the International Economic Development Council

Margo Fliss is the first certified Entrepreneurship Development Professional (EDP) in Alaska.

As the Manager of Strategic Engagement at the University of Alaska Center for Economic Development (UA CED) at the UAA Business Enterprise Institute, Fliss is a lead instructor for the organization’s Upstart Alpha Startup Accelerator and the Upstart Intern program, which connects students to startups.

"The EDP certification reflects Margo's dedication to the entrepreneurship ecosystem here in Alaska, and her advanced knowledge of best practices in supporting startups,” said Nolan Klouda, UA CED Executive Director. “Margo is a leader in ecosystem development here in Alaska as well as nationally. It's absolutely fitting that she's the first EDP here in Alaska.”

The EDP credential, a new credential offered by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), is designed to build the foundational skills of those supporting entrepreneurship in their communities. Through real-world experience, training courses, and the passing of a rigorous exam, EDPs are skilled in how to help their communities thrive in this unprecedented time and how to lead them through a post-pandemic recovery.

“Entrepreneurs are facing new and challenging obstacles and opportunities in our current economic landscape. EDP certification recipients will work alongside their colleagues and community leaders to ensure entrepreneurs have both the resources they need and the right support to not just succeed in the emerging post-pandemic world, but drive positive economic change in their communities,” said Nathan Ohle, IEDC President and CEO.

Fliss holds a Master of Public Policy from Mills College and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. She is a certified Strategic Doing Workshop Leader, currently serves on the boards of the University Economic Development Association and thread, and is a member of the UAA Center for Community and Engaged Learning Advisory Council. She also serves on the Collaborative Advisory Group for the newly formed Ecosystem Builders Leadership Project.

The EDP credential and two new EDP courses would not be possible without support from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, the Economic Development Administration, and partnership with the University of Missouri-Kansas City SourceLink.

About the University of Alaska Center for Economic Development
UA CED is a university-based partnership promoting economic diversity through entrepreneurship, community building, and action oriented strategy. UA CED is one of 52 University Centers designated by the U.S. Economic Development Administration and is a part of the UAA Business Enterprise Institute.

About the International Economic Development Council
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization serving economic developers. With more than 4,800 members, IEDC is the largest organization of its kind. Economic developers promote economic well-being and quality of life for their communities by creating, retaining, and expanding jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth and provide a stable tax base. From public to private, rural to urban, and local to international, IEDC’s members engage in the full range of economic development practices. Given the breadth of economic development work, our members are employed in various settings, including local, state, provincial, and federal governments, public-private partnerships, chambers of commerce, universities, and a variety of other institutions. When we succeed, our members create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities, and improve the quality of life in their regions. Learn more at iedconline.org.

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