CED Knowledge Clusters identify a broad range of models and sectors where community-based organizations are creating innovative economic and social opportunities for marginalized and low-income Canadians.

The clusters represent both traditional and emerging CED sectors. For example, Community Economic Renewal is a cluster where 15 groups are active in all five regions. And 12 groups (five on the East Coast alone) are turning natural, historical and cultural resources into Community Tourism initiatives.

Emerging clusters include Community Land Trusts (a model for environmental land stewardship and sustainable housing), E-Strategies (new technologies for distance learning and e-commerce) and Forestry (especially for value-added wood products and marketing services).

Three clusters -- Individual Development Accounts, Financial Equity and Community Loan Funds -- involve alternative investment and savings mechanisms targeting social enterprises, micro-entrepreneurs and low-income citizens.

While many of these initiatives are underway in all regions of the country, six of the clusters are presently concentrated in only one or two regions. For example, Food Processing & Food Security groups were supported in B.C. and Ontario, while organizations engaged in local Employment Strategies were supported in Ontario and Québec.

These regional concentrations of expertise and experience create a unique knowledge base. Each cluster contains approaches and models to what works and what doesn't work in CED. Over the next five years, the knowledge produced and disseminated from the clusters in CEDTAP's project portfolio will be an important tool for strengthening the practice of CED at both the community and sector wide level.

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