The Diverse Developer Resource Initiative (DDRI) Program is designed to empower individuals from diverse backgrounds with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to shape their communities for the better. Through this immersive experience, participants will gain essential skills in real estate development, project management, and community building.

With a focus on creating lasting impact, the program equips attendees to address their community's unique needs while fostering economic growth, inclusivity, and sustainability. By bridging knowledge gaps and building networks, we aim to cultivate leaders who are prepared to drive meaningful transformation in their neighborhoods.

The DDRI program will be offered to a maximum of 20 Connecticut residents selected through an application process.  The program will be conducted over 12 sessions  and combines classroom learning, hands-on assignments, and project-based learning.  

The program consist of:

• Introductory assessment of participant's current Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) 
  
• Four full day and 8 evening workshop sessions.
  
• An individual consultation with the Uconn Small Business Development - Real Estate Division
  
• Presentations by industry professionals and lenders who have special programs for Multi-Family re-development projects
  
• Evaluation/assessment of the DDRI  program.

In the 2 months following the program, participants can access ongoing individual consultation to further their skills

and development capacity.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

There is no charge for participating in this program.  However, it is a requirement of the program that:

• Each participant submit a $100 refundable deposit that will be returned to the participant upon successful completion of the program. 
• Participants attend all required sessions in their entirety or risk losing their $100 deposit.

BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATION

Participants will learn or enhance their real estate development skills, improve their financial and planning capacity, and become part of a supportive developer community.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Applications to participate in the program are due no later than 1PM, January 17, 2025.  
Selected participants will be notified as applications come in.  

The workshops will take place at CT State Community College Naugatuck Valley. 

KEY DATES

Info Sessions:  Learn more about the program and walkthrough the application! 

Program dates:
Thursday, January 23, 2025 6-8 pm
Saturday, January  25, 2025 9 am-4 pm
Tuesday, January  28, 2025 6-8 pm
Thursday, January 30, 2025 6-8 pm
Saturday, February 1, 2025 9 am-4 pm
Tuesday, February 4, 2025 6-8pm
Thursday, February 6, 2025 6-8 pm
Saturday, February 8, 2025 9 am-4 pm
Thursday, February 13, 2025 6-8 pm
Saturday, February 15, 2025 9 am-4 pm
Tuesday, February 18, 2025 6 pm - 8 pm

Snow dates:
Saturday, March 1st, 9 am-4 pm
Saturday, March 8th, 9 am 4 pm