Emerging Developers Program
Richmond Neighborhood Housing Services (RNHS) is delighted to announce the start of our 7th cohort of the Emerging Developers Program (EDP), launching in September 2025. This program will be delivered in a virtual format using the Zoom platform. EDP is a 3-month-long educational program designed to provide industry professionals with the knowledge and technical skills to develop infill units and single-family homes. RNHS will coordinate and align resources between community-based technical assistance providers and lenders to maximize the resources targeted directly at Black-led development and real estate-related firms.
For more information or details about the program, please contact jacquese@eastbaynhs.org.
Who should attend?
EDP was created for BIPOC developers who are at varying stages of the journey. We welcome all applicants from all backgrounds. By joining EDP, participants will receive support around mentorship and different resources to provide additional help.
Meet Your Instructors
Program Schedule
| Course | Course Title | Objective | Instructor | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course One | Real Estate Development Process & Overview | To provide emerging developers with a foundational understanding of the real estate development process, emphasizing strategic planning, resource utilization, and a growth-oriented mindset for sustainable success. | Jerrod Delaine* | September 8, 2025 |
| Course Two | Small Site Development & Ownership | To introduce emerging developers to the fundamentals of small site development and ownership, with a focus on project planning, financing strategies, legal considerations, and identifying local opportunities for sustainable growth. | Nikki Beasley* | September 15, 2025 |
| Course Three | Placemaking - Visioning & Market Analysis | Guide participants in defining a clear project vision aligned with community needs and market realities and equip them with tools to analyze local market trends, demographics, and economic factors to support strong, informed development decisions. | Philip Patrick* | September 22, 2025 |
| Course Four | Site Identification & Analysis | To equip emerging developers with the skills to identify, research, and evaluate potential development sites, focusing on regulatory requirements, environmental factors, and community context to support informed decision-making. | Johnathan Coates* | September 29, 2025 |
| Course Five | Deal Analysis & Acquisition | To help emerging developers evaluate real estate deals by understanding key metrics, deal structures, and acquisition processes, including due diligence, contracts, and financing strategies. | Justin Dawson* | October 6, 2025 |
| Course Six | Real Estate Development Analysis | Equip participants with the skills to evaluate real estate development opportunities by understanding project feasibility, market analysis, financial modeling, and risk assessment, so they can make informed decisions and confidently move projects forward. | Justin Dawson* | October 20, 2025 |
| Course Seven | Entitlements - Agency Approvals for Your Site | To guide emerging developers through the entitlements process by building knowledge of agency approvals, zoning regulations, and stakeholder engagement necessary to move a development project forward. | Justin Dawson* | October 27, 2025 |
| Course Eight | Financial Analysis - The Capital Stack | To help emerging developers understand organizational finance fundamentals and effectively negotiate with capital investors by learning key financial terms, deal structures, and investor relationship strategies. | TBD | November 3, 2025 |
| Course Nine | Alternative Financing + Traditional Financing | To introduce emerging developers to a range of traditional and alternative financing options, helping them understand funding sources, eligibility, and strategies for structuring successful real estate deals. | Pastor LJ Jennings* | November 10, 2025 |
Program Sponsors and Partnerships
