Canterbury Development Corporation (CDC) is a limited liability trust company that acts as the economic development arm of the Christchurch City Council. It is a non-profit, commercially neutral enterprise agency that is non-sector-aligned and regional in outlook, recognising the very real economic/employment impacts of the wider Canterbury region on the Christchurch economy.

CDC promotes and facilitates economic growth in the region by working with businesses to improve their management capabilities, and working alongside key agencies to promote Christchurch and Canterbury as the destination of choice to live in, invest in, and do business.

CDC promotes and facilitates economic growth and employment in the region in accordance with the CCC Annual Plan by focusing on:

• Providing economic development leadership
• Being a centre of economic development expertise
• Working to extend capabilities in key industry sectors

Christchurch City Council (CCC)
 

Education Initiatives 
CDC facilitates education initiatives that will provide the future workforce with core competencies and skills that will sustain a competitive advantage for our regional economy.

CDC promotes Christchurch internationally as a student destination.

Technology Initiatives  
CDC’s technology initiatives target the following goals:

• Promoting Christchurch as a modern knowledge-based city to national and international networks
• Facilitating innovative cross-sector research and development partnerships
• Developing high-technology industry clusters
• Accelerating the speed of technology transfer between all sectors of our economy

Investment & Trade Enquiry Management  
CDC coordinates national and international investment in the region, facilitating:

• Joint ventures and trade opportunities between international and local businesses by introducing potential partners
• Corporate relocations to the region
• Investment in local business projects from immigrants and other investors seeking business opportunities

• Actionworks offers a personalised service, assisting young jobseekers to find work.
• Youthworks is a programme designed for young people with major barriers to employment.
• The Career Transition Coordinator provides advice and assistance for jobseekers aged over 20.
• The Work Projects Team assists community organisations to develop links/partnerships, manage finances, organise and plan strategically, as well as facilitating staff training and development and monitoring the Employment Initiatives Fund.
• The Adult Community Employment (ACE) programme is a scheme to help long-term job seekers back into employment by offering assistance with wages.

• Business Start-up: a “Starter Pack” of information is provided for those intending to set up a new, or purchase and existing business. Business concept assessment is available through Company Rebuilders mentors. Business support is available to fledgling businesses for the first six months of operation.
• Business in the Community and Company Rebuilders mentors assists businesses and encourage them to plan, manage, meet challenges, and get results.
• Enterprise Training: offers a wide range of workshops covering all aspects of business management.
• Business Networks: CDC facilitates network meetings, which provide opportunities to meet and share ideas with other people in small and medium-sized businesses.