FAQs

The Urban League of West Michigan’s Equitable Development Initiative is a 10-week training program designed to assist underrepresented and emerging developers with capacity and wealth building by connecting them with the resources they need for success

  • The program is funded by private philanthropy and course fees.

    The standard course fee is $2,500, but scholarships are available.

  • Preferred to have a year of experience in a development-adjacent industry such as finance, real estate, law, or construction.

    It is required that you meet the minimum credit score eligible for a loan on your own or with a co-signer. If you'd like to discuss this more, please reach out.

    Please note that everyone is encouraged to apply yet the purposes of the program include, but are not limited to, offering an Equitable Developer Program (and services) for West Michigan African Americans and other minority individuals from historically discriminated and disadvantaged racial backgrounds.

    • Development Basics: Foundational principles of the development process.

    • Financing: Strategies for securing and managing funds for development projects.

    • Design: Best practices in planning and designing buildings and spaces.

    • Construction: Effective project management and construction techniques.

    • Property Management: Managing properties post-development for long-term success.

    • Navigating Zoning + Approvals: Understanding and working within zoning laws and obtaining necessary approvals.

  • The program involves a diverse group of professionals and organizations, including:

    • Instructors: Rotating instructors that may include local experts in finance, real estate, zoning, and construction with years of industry experience.

    • Mentors: Established developers and industry leaders who provide guidance and support.

    • Program Partners: The Urban League of West Michigan, Housing Next, Frey Foundation, and other community organizations dedicated to fostering equitable development.

    • Participant Feedback: Regular surveys to assess satisfaction and learning outcomes.

    • Completion Rates: Tracking the number of participants who successfully complete the program.

    • Post-Program Outcomes: Monitoring participants' ability to secure impact capital, launch development projects, and contribute to the community.

    • Mentorship Engagement: Evaluating the effectiveness of mentorship relationships and their impact on participants' growth.

  • Yes, there will be homework assignments designed to reinforce the concepts covered in the program. These may include:

    • Case Studies: Analyzing real-world development projects.

    • Financial Modeling: Practicing the application of financial principles.

    • Project Planning: Developing plans for hypothetical or actual development projects.

    • Supplemental Learning: Reading books, listening to podcasts, watching videos, and engaging with other curriculum materials as assigned by the instructor.

    Assignments will be tailored to the course material and may vary at the discretion of the instructor to ensure a comprehensive learning experience.

  • The program allows only one excused absence. Due to the intensive nature of the curriculum, full participation is required to ensure you meet all the requirements for graduation.

  • The standard course fee is $2,500, but scholarships are available.