The Spark Developer Academy is a week-long intensive training and networking opportunity for local emerging real estate developers who have an authentic connection to the communities they seek to transform.
The course is designed to assist new real estate developers with four main professional development goals:
Provide access to training in the fundamentals of real estate development
Create networking opportunities to develop formal and informal business relationships with each other
Develop a supportive and equitable ecosystem that includes lenders, grant-makers, city staff, development professionals, and mentors
Create opportunities to access financing for their projects.
Our ideal participants
When selecting Developer Academy participants, we will focus on experience, track record, and readiness. We are looking for individuals with an entrepreneurial mindset who already have a basic understanding of real estate development. An ideal candidate would have already gained some initial experience functioning as a real estate developer – even if their attempt at real estate development ultimately didn’t succeed.
Are you . . . ?
Motivated to learn, creative, and willing to take risks?
Currently working in construction, urban planning, mortgage lending, real estate sales, asset management, or related fields?
Already engaged in a small-scale development project such as purchasing, renovating and reselling a house, and looking for more?
Do you . . . ?
Have time to devote to developing a new skill set?
See great value in networking?
Have familiarity with real estate development (not just HGTV)?
Need help understanding how to access capital?
Watch an incredible journey of growth, learning, and community at Spark’s Developer Academy Fall 2024!
This season, we witnessed passionate individuals from across the Omaha region step up to learn the ins and outs of real estate development, gaining tools to transform neighborhoods into thriving, vibrant communities.
Thinking about applying for Developer Academy?
Watch our Q&A session to learn more!
A graduate’s perspective
“Spark Education has played a crucial role in enhancing my understanding of the real estate development process. The Developer Academy provided invaluable insight into the various financial and government resources available. The team is exceptional, and their trusted partners bring a wealth of knowledge, some of whom I now consider my friends.”
We offer ongoing free education throughout the year. Check our Eventbrite page to register for our upcoming Deep Dive and BUILD educational sessions!
Stay Connected
Do you fit the description of our ideal Developer Academy participants?
Do you want to learn more? Fill out the form below and we’ll include you on our mailing list for more Developer Academy info. When the applications for the next Developer Academy session open up, you’ll get a direct link to apply!
Developer Academy Yearbook
We are proud to have 98 graduates from the Developer Academy so far, each empowered with the skills and knowledge to drive impactful community development.
Fall 2024 Cohort
Fall 2023 Cohort
Spring 2023 Cohort
Fall 2022 Cohort
Fall 2021 Cohort
Spring 2021 Cohort
Fall 2020 Cohort
In accordance with federal law and US Department of Treasury policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, familial status, or disability. Submit a complaint of discrimination, by mail to U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Civil Rights and Equal Employment Opportunity , 1500 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20220, (202) 622-1160 (phone), (202) 622-0367 (fax), or email crcomplaints@treasury.gov (email).
The Fair Housing Act protects people from discrimination when they are renting or buying a home, getting a mortgage, seeking housing assistance or engaging in other housing related activities. More information is available here.