Financial Statement Analysis for Economic Development

Evaluating the financial health of businesses and community projects is essential for driving sustainable local growth. This course equips you with the fundamental skills to dissect balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements specifically through the lens of economic development and public investment. You will learn to identify financial risks, assess project viability, and make data-driven decisions that benefit communities. What you will learn: Understand the core components and terminology of primary financial statements; Calculate and interpret key financial ratios to assess liquidity, solvency, and profitability; Evaluate the financial feasibility of local development projects and public-private partnerships; Integrate modern ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors into traditional financial analysis; Analyze real-world municipal and corporate financial disclosures through structured written exercises. This course begins with basic accounting concepts and foundational definitions before moving into practical ratio analysis and project evaluation techniques. Designed for beginners in urban planning, public administration, and local economic development, this text-based course requires no prior background in finance or accounting. Start reading and analyzing financial data to make a lasting impact on your community today.