About the Emerging and BIPOC Developer Training and Engagement Initiative

The Emerging and BIPOC Developer Training and Engagement Initiative is a partnership between the City of Saint Paul, the Incremental Development Alliance (IncDev) and a volunteer Host and Advisory Committee that aims to increase the representation of emerging developers and leaders who are Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) in the real estate development community.

Overview

Publicly- financed real estate development projects offer strong wealth-building and workforce development opportunities, yet only a relative few have been led by emerging and BIPOC developers.

The Emerging and BIPOC Developer Training and Engagement Initiative offers a virtual introductory seminar and a five-week, small-scale development training course for people of all professional backgrounds who are interested in real estate development, but may not know how to get started.

The City of Saint Paul is underwriting the cost of the seminar and training course so that they are free to participants.

Emerging and BIPOC Developer Training and Engagement Initiative goals

The City of Saint Paul seeks to achieve the following goals through this new developer training program:

  1. Help build a stronger pipeline of new, talented developers in the field.
     
  2. Provide invaluable education and training opportunities for developers entering the field.
     
  3. Contribute pre-development resources for the pursuit of projects.
     
  4. Provide proactive, ongoing mentorship and professional support opportunities.
     
  5. Actively address barriers and complexities of the City’s real estate development programs; evaluate how the City currently directs investment and refine to make opportunities more accessible to new participants.

Opportunities

Small Developer Seminar | Tuesday, November 2, 2021

Join fellow development aficionados for a four-hour small developer seminar that dives deep into the various processes and concepts a small-scale developer encounters over the duration of a project. This virtual seminar will cover everything from skill assessments to development training to project conceptualization.

People from all professional backgrounds with an interest in small-scale development are invited to apply for the Small Developer Seminar. 

Space is limited! Register today.

Small Developer Bootcamp | Tuesday, January 25, 2022

If you enjoyed the Small Developer Seminar, join us once more for a five-week small developer bootcamp that immerses you in the fine details of a project. Participants will engage with educational content and corresponding course homework, small group support sessions, and one-on-one support from industry experts. At the end of the bootcamp, attendees will be fully prepared to submit for future City RFPs or other small-scale development opportunities.

People from all professional backgrounds with an interest in small-scale development are invited to apply for the Small Developer Bootcamp.

The Bootcamp application will be provided soon.

Inspiring Communities 2022 RFP

Interested Small Developer Bootcamp participants are encouraged to apply for small-scale redevelopment opportunities through the City’s Inspiring Communities program. Visit the Inspiring Communities program webpage to learn more.

Last Edited: April 6, 2022