Build Entrepreneur Education Program Application: Small Scale Developers & Builders

The BUILD Entrepreneur Education for Small-Scale Developers & Builders is a 12-week comprehensive course that provides a strong foundation in real estate development, focusing on single-family and multi-family housing on infill lots. Through interactive lectures, group activities and hands on experience, participants will explore key stages of development, including financial modeling, zoning, permitting, and construction management. By the end of the course, participants will have a completed business plan and be equipped to manage budgets, financial plans, and the complexities of real estate financing and marketing.

Congratulations on joining the Build Entrepreneur Education Program for Small Developers & Builders!

Please respond to the following questions to help us provide the necessary support to transform your business idea into a reality and advance to the next stage.

Build Entrepreneur Education Commitment: Participants will receive a SEED Build Entrepreneur Education binder, inclusive of all course materials. Program participants and graduates are required to partake in all follow-up surveys. These surveys are critical for our reporting to the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), which supports funding for this program. Furthermore, they enable SEED to offer valuable information and additional resources to the entrepreneurial community.

Successful completion of the Build Entrepreneur Education Program includes:

- Submission of the pre-, mid-, and post-class surveys, along with any additional follow-up surveys.

- Attendance of at least 8 classes, encompassing a total of 24 education hours.

- Completion and submission of your Business Plan for evaluation on subsequent steps.

Commitment from all parties involved: The success of Build Entrepreneur participants hinges on community building, inclusion, and connection building. Therefore, interactions with Build/SEED facilitators, participants, guest speakers, and staff must be conducted with respect, understanding, and appreciation. This approach ensures that everyone has the maximum opportunity to build a robust community and forge lasting connections for future success. For the safety of all parties, interactions between the class, facilitators, staff, and Build participants must occur virtually or in a public setting.

Program Incentives:

Successful completion of the Small-Scale Developer and Builder course, you may become eligible to receive the benefit of free City-owned property designated for infill housing. These lots could have preapproved variances and setback, completed soil testing, and utility connection assistance. Additionally, financing assistance may be available for construction loans. 

Please note that these incentives are contingent upon participant eligibility and are not guaranteed.

For further information, please visit www.SEEDfw.org or contact us at SEEDfw@CityofFortWayne.org with any questions.

Note: An account must be created before you can complete your intake form.