The Emerging Developer Resource Initiative (EDRI) 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 EDRI 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 EDRI  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, August 22, 2025.  
Selected participants will be notified as applications come in.  

The workshops will take place at The Lab at ConnCORP 496 Newhall St, Hamden, CT 06517. 

KEY DATES

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

Program dates:
Tuesday, September 2nd, 6-8pm
Thursday, September 4th, 6-8pm
Saturday, September 6th, 9-4pm
Tuesday, September 9th, 6-8pm
Thursday, September 11th, 6-8pm
Saturday, September 13th, 9-4pm
Tuesday, September 16th, 6-8pm
Thursday, September 18th, 6-8pm
Saturday, September 20th, 9-4pm
Tuesday, September 23rd, 6-8pm
Thursday, September 25th, 6-8pm
Saturday, September 30th, 9-4pm

Presentation Saturday, October 4th, 9-2pm