Become the developer behind Maryland's next great communities.
The Develop the Developer℠ Academy is an intensive five-day training experience taking place October 21–23 and October 26–27, 2026, in the Baltimore Metro Area, designed to help developers strengthen their skills, build valuable industry relationships, and move their projects from planning to execution.
Be one of the 30 developers shaping the future of Maryland.
Limited seats available.
Fall 2026 Cohort — Baltimore Metro Area
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See the Academy in action
Hear directly from participants and mentors about the Develop the Developer℠ experience.
Not a course. An executive accelerator.
Five days of immersive instruction, real relationships, and the tools to move your next project from planning to execution — with support that lasts long after graduation.
Live, In-Person Instruction
Learn directly from active developers, lenders, and industry leaders — not pre-recorded modules.
A Cohort of Just 30
Small, hand-selected group designed for deep relationships and honest peer feedback.
Real Deal Case Studies
Work through actual Maryland projects — feasibility, budgets, capital stacks, and outcomes.
Direct Access to Capital
Meet community bank lenders, CDFIs, and equity partners who fund emerging developers.
Industry & Government Panels
Sit at the table with city planners, architects, contractors, and elected officials.
Hands-On Activities & Capstone
Apply every module to your own project and present it to a panel of industry experts.
Lifetime Alumni Network
Join a growing community of Maryland developers building alongside — and with — you.
Ongoing Coaching After Graduation
Continued guidance, resources, and referrals long after the five days are over.
Maryland's next generation of developers is being built right now.
Successful real estate development takes more than vision. You need the right knowledge, a capable team, access to capital, and direct relationships with the people who move projects forward.
DTDA gives emerging developers all four — through five intensive days of expert instruction, hands-on strategy, and the kind of industry connections that turn plans into built projects.
More Than a Five-Day Training
The Academy is just the beginning. Participants join a growing community of developers with access to the knowledge, connections, and ongoing support needed to continue building long after graduation.
Through expert-led instruction, hands-on exercises, real-world examples, and direct conversations with industry professionals, participants will learn:
- Financing strategies, loan products, and capital sourcing for development projects
- How to build a bankable deal package that attracts lenders and investors
- Best practices for budgeting, project management, and construction oversight
- Strategies for building long-term relationships with lenders, investors, and industry partners
- How to successfully launch, manage, and grow a real estate development business
Whether you are preparing for your first multifamily project or working to scale your development business, the Develop the Developer℠ Academy can help you build with greater clarity and confidence.
Apply for the Fall 2026 Cohort
Academy Focus
The Fall 2026 Academy will focus primarily on multifamily development, including project feasibility, financing, property acquisition, zoning, permitting, construction oversight, and building a bankable development package.
Tuition: $1,299 per participant
A four-payment installment plan is available. A nonrefundable $39 application fee is required when submitting your application. If accepted, the fee is applied toward your tuition balance.
A 36-hour executive real estate development experience.
Over five intensive days you'll work through real-world case studies, collaborate with industry experts, and build the foundation to launch and grow successful development projects. Classroom instruction, hands-on activities, expert panels, and a final capstone showcase.
Development Process
How real estate developments come to life — from concept to completion.
Map out a complete development timeline.
Real-world project case study on common developer challenges.
By the end of this program, you'll be able to…
Concrete, real-world capabilities you'll walk away with — ready to apply on your very next project.
- Structure a bankable multifamily development from concept to capital.
- Build and lead a high-performing team of architects, contractors, and partners.
- Navigate Maryland zoning, permitting, and entitlements with confidence.
- Prepare a full development budget, sources and uses, and pro forma.
- Package and pitch your deal to lenders and equity investors.
- Manage construction timelines, contractors, and quality control.
- Operate and scale a sustainable real estate development business.
- Tap a lifelong network of developers, mentors, and capital partners.
Important Information
Your application is the first step in this journey to achieve Develop the Developer℠ Academy eligibility status.
Application Fee
$39 (non-refundable)
Location
8201 Corporate Drive, Landover, MD 20785
Time Commitment
Five full in-person days from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. each day, plus a capstone project due November 13, 2026.
Questions?
Email Events@HomeFreeUSA.org and we will get back to you within 2 business days.
Enrollment Dates
- Applications Due
- September 18, 2026
- Application Review
- September 21-24
- Acceptance Notices
- September 25
- Tuition Due
- October 16, 2026
- First Day of Academy
- October 21, 2026
- Capstone Presentation
- November 13, 2026
Is DTDA Right for You?
The Develop the Developer℠ Academy is designed for individuals who are ready to take the next step in real estate development.
This program is a great fit if you…
- Want to transition into real estate development
- Are ready to invest in your education and business
- Are committed to attending all five days of the academy
- Want to build relationships with lenders, developers, and industry professionals
- Are interested in creating housing that strengthens communities
- Are ready to learn, collaborate, and participate
This program may not be the right fit if you…
- Are looking for a passive real estate investing course
- Cannot commit to attending the full in-person academy
- Are looking for a quick way to make money
- Are not interested in collaboration or hands-on learning
- Are unwilling to complete the capstone project
Still on the fence? Let's clear it.
Every developer we've trained wrestled with the same questions before applying. Here's what actually happens once you commit.
"I don't have experience."
That's exactly who we built DTDA for. The Academy meets emerging developers where they are and walks you step-by-step from planning to execution.
"Is it worth the investment?"
One deal, one lender relationship, one strategy shift can pay this back many times over. You're investing $1,299 to unlock a career-defining network and playbook.
"Will I fit in?"
You'll join 30 emerging developers with the same drive. Instructors, mentors, and peers become long-term collaborators — not just classmates.
"Am I really ready?"
If you've been circling a project, an LLC, or a first multifamily deal, you're ready. DTDA turns hesitation into a bankable next step.
Your future as a developer starts with one decision.
Questions, answered.
Still unsure? Email Events@HomeFreeUSA.org and our team will get back to you within two business days.
The Academy is designed for aspiring and emerging real estate developers, investors, contractors, housing professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders who want to develop projects in Maryland and create lasting community impact.
Yes. However, the Fall 2026 cohort will focus on multifamily development, which may be more advanced for someone completely new to real estate development. We encourage beginners to join our email list to stay updated on the next single-family cohort, which will provide a stronger foundation for new developers.
Yes. The Academy is ideal for emerging developers looking to expand into larger or more complex projects. Even experienced participants benefit from expert instruction, local market insights, industry connections, and access to lenders and development professionals.
Community-focused development strategies; building your development team; multifamily development and construction; zoning, permitting, and local regulations; property acquisition and due diligence; building a bankable development project; development financing and capital access; and real estate development fundamentals.
The Academy is held in person in Maryland, creating valuable opportunities for networking, collaboration, and hands-on learning with industry professionals. We offer virtual support and ongoing classes after the cohort.
The Develop the Developer℠ Training Academy is a total of five impactful days: October 21-23 and October 26-27, 2026.
The Develop the Developer℠ Academy is more than a training program—it's an ongoing partnership. Graduates receive continued guidance through quarterly check-ins, specialized technical assistance, and connections to financing opportunities designed to help turn real projects into completed developments.
Tuition for the Develop the Developer℠ Academy is $1,299 per participant. A four-payment installment plan will be available. A nonrefundable $39 application fee is required when submitting your application. If you are accepted into the program, the application fee will be applied toward your tuition balance. All payments will be processed digitally; personal checks will not be accepted.
Only 30 participants will be selected, creating an interactive learning experience and allowing for meaningful networking and personalized engagement with instructors.
For the best experience, you will need a computer with reliable internet access and the latest version of a supported web browser. Basic to intermediate computer skills are recommended. You should also have access to presentation and spreadsheet software, such as Google Slides, Canva, Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Sheets, or Microsoft Excel. Virtual sessions will be hosted through Zoom, which works best with Google Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, or Safari. You will also need an up-to-date smartphone to download GroupMe, connect with current and previous cohort participants, and receive important program updates.
The people behind every successful cohort.
Behind every successful cohort is a dedicated team committed to helping participants succeed — before, during, and long after the academy.
Tisa J.D. Clark
Real Estate Development Consultant
Nationally recognized real estate development consultant, executive coach, and Associate Broker with 30+ years across mortgage banking, affordable housing, and community development. President & CEO of J.D. Clark Consulting, an active developer and licensed general contractor, and a former Freddie Mac executive who holds the Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB®) designation. For DTDA, Tisa serves as lead instructor and coach — guiding participants from acquisition through construction, financing, and business strategy with hands-on industry expertise.
Emmanuel Egunjobi
Construction Executive & Mentor
Baltimore-based construction executive, licensed general contractor, and affordable housing specialist. Founder of Maven Homes LLC (200+ residential projects, $40M+ delivered) and Project Manager for HomeFree-USA's construction department. At DTDA, Emmanuel leads the construction management modules — sharing real-world expertise in HUD/FHA 203K compliance, contractor oversight, budgets, and multi-site execution.
Milan Griffin
Chief Operations Officer
COO of HomeFree-USA and co-founder of the Center for Financial Advancement (CFA), a national HBCU-based financial readiness program active on 16 campuses. Educated at Spelman and Tufts with executive programs at Stanford, Columbia, Georgetown, and Kellogg. Milan sets the strategic direction of DTDA — ensuring the Academy connects emerging developers to the partners, capital, and community pipelines needed to scale.
Jim Griffin
Founder & Strategic Advisor
Founder of HomeFree-USA and a 55-year mortgage banking pioneer who established the first African-American mortgage servicing company. Trusted advisor to HUD, USAID, the World Bank, and city, state, and foreign governments. Jim architected the vision for DTDA and continues to shape its curriculum, structure, and strategic direction as the Academy's founding advisor.
Fabianna Diaz
Marketing Manager
Marketing Manager at HomeFree-USA with 20+ years in graphic design and nonprofit brand strategy, including work with Ronald McDonald House Charities. Bilingual (English/Spanish) and a magna cum laude BFA graduate. Fabianna leads DTDA's brand, storytelling, and outreach — recruiting each cohort and amplifying alumni success.
Melanie Mack
Senior Events & Special Projects Manager
10+ years leading conferences, tradeshows, and large-scale executive events, managing multimillion-dollar budgets end-to-end. As Senior Events Manager, Melanie owns DTDA's training and capstone logistics — securing venues, amenities, and every detail that lets participants focus fully on learning.
Nicole Richardson
Events & Projects Specialist
Events and Projects Specialist at HomeFree-USA with 7+ years in project management and event coordination. Business Management degree and Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM). Nicole serves as DTDA's Project Manager — overseeing day-to-day operations and virtual sessions so the program runs smoothly from application through capstone.
Real Participant Testimonials
What alumni say.
"I'm sure there are Ivy League MBA students who are not getting the exposure and access the Develop the Developer℠ offers. I've been in the industry for years and learned a lot in the Academy."
"This program challenged me, inspired me, and helped me grow—both professionally and personally. My knowledge expanded, my network grew, and I'm walking away more confident in my future than ever."
Thank You to Our Partners
Interested in supporting Develop the Developer℠ Academy? Contact developmentHFUSA@homefreeusa.org
Not ready to apply?
Join our interest list to receive updates, webinars, deadlines, and future cohort announcements — including the next single-family cohort.
- Cohort announcements first
- Free developer webinars
- Application deadline reminders
The future is being developed.
Will you have a seat at the table?
Become one of just 30 developers selected to join Maryland's premier real estate development academy. If you're ready to gain the knowledge, build the right connections, and develop projects that create lasting community impact, this is your opportunity.