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Emerging Developer Program

An important part of the DMC’s work is encouraging and fostering diversity in the Downtown development mix. Our Emerging Developer program includes classes and workshops designed to help prepare the participant for a career in commercial development.

Our goal is to create a stronger, more diverse, and equitable community beginning with those who are actively engaged in creating the built environment.

Core Curriculum:

  • Em-Dev/DDI. Our Developer Diversity Incubator is an in-depth, 15-session curriculum focused on small-scale development opportunities in Memphis. Participants gain direct experience working in teams to produce a development plan, pro-forma, and marketing plan for a real project. Priority acceptance is given to people of color and women. Learn more about the program.
  • Em-Dev Develop-A-Thon. Emerging Developer Develop-A-Thon is a one and half-day workshop for emerging developers to create pitch-ready presentations to approach investors about. Learn more here. 
  • Em-Dev Local. These programs are offered throughout the year and are designed specifically to help Emerging Developers navigate the local development ecosystem. Classes are open to the public, and participants do not have to have an actual site or project to participate. (More details soon)

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