Here’s your chance to follow in these entrepreneurs’ footsteps
If you’ve ever considered entering the field of real estate development, you may have thought you didn’t have the know-how or network to succeed. For women and minority entrepreneurs, real estate development may seem particularly out of reach, as fewer than 1% of real estate developers are Black, Latino or women.
HomeFree-USA is working to change that by hosting the Develop the Developer Academy (DTDA), a five-day training program that will give underrepresented entrepreneurs the skills they need to succeed in a competitive market.
Wondering if DTDA may be for you? Here’s what a few past participants in the program have to say:
Donell B. had some experience rehabilitating houses and buying rental properties but he didn’t know how to get to the next level. Thanks to the program, Donell made new connections and developed the confidence he needed to go after bigger projects. Today he specializes in developing single family homes on vacant lots. He continues to work a full-time job so the extra money is helping him build more wealth. The best thing about the program: “Information is never-ending,” he says.
Angel S. worked as a residential and commercial sales agent when she enrolled in the program. The Academy showed her how development deals are made. She also learned about such topics as zoning and regulations and how they can affect a potential development project. “Being able to see development from the very beginning to end has been the most valuable,” she says.
Charles M. was an investor looking to get into development when he took part in the program. Today, he is working on developing a commercial mixed-use property. He even met a contractor through the program that will be part of the project. “A lot of things I learned from the program are helping me develop this mixed-use property right now,” he says. “Our next phase will be ground up development.”
Kyle K.worked with a nonprofit when he signed up for the program. He wanted to explore real estate development because he saw how impactful it could be to a community to transform vacant lots into housing. One of the highlights of going through the program was the networking, he says. “You’re meeting people who are doing the same thing as you.” It also helped him connect with decision-makers in the areas of zoning and financing.
These entrepreneurs are making strides in real estate development thanks to DTDA. There’s no reason you can’t follow in their footsteps, says past program participant Franchelle A., who runs a real estate development firm that focuses on residential and small-scale commercial development. “Bet on yourself. It was the best investment I ever made,” she says.
The training will take place November 7 – November 11 at the Cambria Hotel in Arundel Mills. Applications for the program will be accepted until October 1.
