Our mission is to promote the growth of the “smart” energy industry by providing comprehensive workforce and economic development services to partnering companies.

The Smart Energy Initiative is a regional, public-private energy industry partnership sponsored by the Chester County Economic Development Council. Key collaborators include:  PennFuture, Workforce Investment Boards of Chester, Bucks, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties, Southeastern PA energy industry representatives, Ben Franklin Technologies, the Delaware Valley Industrial Resource Center, and area colleges/universities/technical schools. The program is designed to facilitate the expansion/growth of the clean and renewable energy sector in Southeastern PA (SEPA).

International Business Assistance

The Chester County Economic Development Council created the Chester County International Business Council (CCIBC) to contribute to the vitality of the regional economy by directly assisting businesses in international commerce. CCIBC is directed by its 33 member Advisory Board composed of executives with international expertise from industry and service sectors. Additionally, the Advisory Board provides mentoring, counseling and strategic input to local companies doing business internationally.

CCIBC collaborates with the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development's Office of International Business Development and is an affiliate of the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia.

Through its Advisory Board network, CCIBC provides access to the following services:

International Business Consulting & Mentoring

• One-on-One Counseling
• Advisory Board Counseling
• Assistance with Marketing Plans and Entry Strategies
• Access to Legal, Financial, Shipping, and Other Expertise

Market Research Assistance

• Country Profiles
• Economic Indicators
• Industry Sector Analysis
• Competitive Information

Overseas Representatives

• Access to 15 Overseas Representatives for In-Country Assistance

Trade Promotion Grants

• Market Access Grants
• International Trade Access Grants

Educational Seminars

• Regional/Country Information Seminars
• Export Training in Finance, Shipping, Patents and Intellectual Property, CE Marking, Agent/Distributor Management, and More

Overseas Trade Shows

• Promotion of Industry-Based International Trade Shows
• Assistance at U.S., Pennsylvania and World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia Trade Shows

Overseas Trade Missions

• Promotion of U.S., Pennsylvania and World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia Trade Missions
• Distributor or Partner Search
• In-Country Support during Trade Missions

In-Bound Trade Missions

• Access to Buyers Missions from Other Countries
• Access to Venture Capital Groups Seeking Investments in U.S. Companies
• Access to Trade Leads and Referrals

Annual Spring Event – "Chester County International Day"

• Formally established in 2003, the Sister County program aims to expand the opportunities for economic, educational, cultural, and civic exchange between the counties of Chester County, PA and Cheshire County, England. CCEDC is serving as the primary liaison with Cheshire and is leading the business and economic development component of the program. The Chester County Commissioners, West Chester University, The Chester County Conference and Visitors Bureau, and Longwood Gardens are also key partners.