Communities Unlimited (CU), in partnership with Freddie Mac, is excited to launch the Develop the Developer Academy — a program designed to equip aspiring and early-stage real estate developers with the skills, knowledge, and connections to bring community-focused housing projects to life in underutilized rural communities across the South.
“We are excited to support the next generation of housing developers in Arkansas and to create a housing ecosystem within the state that can address the needs of growing markets like Little Rock and the unique challenges of our rural communities.”
— Audra Butler, CU’s Area Director of Rural Housing
Upcoming Session
• November 17–21, 2025 – Academy Training Session at Simmons Bank, Little Rock, AR
• December 12, 2025 – Graduation & Capstone Pitch Presentation
What It Is
This 36-hour, hands-on program is designed to prepare aspiring and early-stage developers to launch successful housing projects. Participants gain practical skills in development fundamentals, financing strategies, site planning, and community engagement. The academy is especially geared toward women, people of color, contractors, churches, landowners, and junior professionals who want to overcome barriers to capital and bring new housing opportunities to their communities. Graduates walk away with a development budget, operating pro forma, and a network of funders and mentors — tools that help turn ideas into real, fundable projects that drive local economic growth.
What Participants Can Expect
• Immersive Curriculum – development fundamentals, financing strategies, buyer readiness, and community engagement
• Expert Guidance – housing, finance, government, and construction leaders
• Capstone Pitch – present to real estate professionals and funders
• Field Visits – tour an active development site
• Ongoing Support – post-academy mentorship and funding guidance
Who Should Apply
• Aspiring Developers – planning a housing project in the next 3–5 years
• Contractors – ready to move from construction into development
• Churches & Landowners – seeking to transform underused property into housing
• Junior Staff – early-career professionals in development firms building expertise
Cost & Registration
• $299 fee (covers training, meals, and materials)
• Application deadline: October 23, 2025
• Cohort size: 20–25 participants (space is limited)
• Applicants will be notified of their selection shortly after the October deadline. Payment instructions will be provided to those selected at that time
Apply here: Develop the Developer Academy Application – Communities Unlimited.
What’s Next
After the inaugural session in Little Rock, CU will bring the Develop the Developer Academy to Clarksdale, Mississippi, creating a sustainable training pipeline to strengthen local developer capacity and meet the growing housing needs of rural communities across the South.
