The RiSE Real Estate Accelerator, an initiative of the Black Squirrel Economic Alliance, supports the growth of emerging real estate developers by providing the tools, training, and connections needed to succeed in community-centered development. Designed to shift the real estate landscape toward equity and inclusion, RiSE offers targeted education, personalized mentorship, and access to capital and industry networks.
The RiSE program emphasizes models that promote long-term affordability and neighborhood self-determination. In partnership with public and private stakeholders, RiSE equips participants with a deep understanding of public property acquisition, affordable housing development, and the broader development process. By the program’s conclusion, participants will be prepared to acquire and transform vacant public properties into sustainable, affordable housing—supporting inclusive, resilient neighborhood growth.
The RiSE Real Estate Accelerator helps participants:
Have questions about the RiSE Real Estate Accelerator? Contact us at rise@bsealliance.org.
Phase I leverages ULI’s online university for asynchronous learning along with curated in-person workshops from local Subject Matter Experts and virtual presentations from national Thought Leaders.
Phase II guides participants through the fundamentals of engaging with local governments to acquire public property. This includes identifying available public parcels, understanding site acquisition requirements, preparing a complete proposal, navigating the approval process, and submitting a fully funded application package to the Landbank for site acquisition.
Phase III focuses on construction, involving the execution and buildout of approved design plans in accordance with all permitted construction documents. This phase culminates in securing a Certificate of Occupancy (CO), ensuring the property is built to code, meets all safety standards, and is ready for sale.
Phase IV involves executing the marketing and sales strategy for the newly constructed home, highlighting the project’s unique features to attract target buyers. Sales opportunities include partnerships with local first-time homebuyer programs, mortgage and down payment assistance initiatives, and collaborations with local governments to support workforce housing.
