Local economic development is divided into four strategic directions: social economy, cultural management, and maximizing local assets (food, toursim and crafts) for economic development.

At ARDR, we include the creation and operation of social enterprise NGOs, non-governmental, nonprofit organizations, which provide many local jobs and bring money into an area, but are not created to make money for the individuals who run them. Instead, success is measured by an increased quality of life for the entire community, and jobs are created for the employees, along with the opportunity to get training and professional experience. We at ARDR believe the creation and success of social enterprises is equally important as the creation and success of profit businesses, for the community and for the individuals involved. They are especially important now, when there is a great deal of new money pouring into Romania for upgrading services to meet the standards of the European Union. Much of that money will be administered by NGOs throughout the country, and some of it will also go to private contractors to fulfill the requirements of the funding.

Promoting a dynamic business environment in rural areas is the goal of the Local Economic Development area. ARDR works in partnership with the private sector and the local public administration providing assistance and consultation on all capacity building issues, including business planning, leadership and management, monitoring and evaluation and the exchange of good practices in business and governance. ARDR encourages cooperation between the private and public sector to improve economic performance, increase the quality of community development projects, while encouraging communication and transparency.