The Real Estate Accelerator Lab (REAL) is an industry-supported program designed to educate and mentor the next generation of Greater Cincinnati real estate professionals. Program participants are chosen to bring together a diverse class with a focus on leadership and those typically underrepresented in the real estate development industry. The goal of the REAL program is to expand diversity of race, ethnicity and gender identity in real estate development by offering a selected group the opportunity to expand their knowledge and build skills. Participants will develop a valuable network of fellow students, REAL graduates and industry professionals. Importantly, graduates will learn the building blocks of creating and sustaining thriving careers and communities.
The nine-month program is comprised of a day-long orientation and eight program days. Each program day has a specific topic of focus.
2022-2023 Schedule*
1st Thursday of every month from 8:30 AM-4:30 PM. All sessions will take place at 1819 Innovation Hub, 2900 Reading Road, Cincinnati, OH 45206.
Orientation - September 1, 2022
Program Day 1 – October 6, 2022
Program Day 2 – November 3, 2022
Program Day 3 – December 1, 2022
Program Day 4 – January 5, 2023
Program Day 5 – February 2, 2023
Program Day 6 - March 2, 2023
Program Day 7 - April 6, 2023
Program Day 8 - Graduation & Project Presentations - May 4, 2023
The REAL Board is Comprised of the Following Organizations as well as two graduates of the program.
Catalytic Development Funding Corp. of NKY
Cincinnati Development Fund
Cushman & Wakefield
Fifth Third Bank
Gail Paul Communication Consulting
The Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky African American Chamber of Commerce
LISC Greater Cincinnati & Northern KY
Huntington Bank
Ironsmith Development
JAKE Advisors
Moody Nolan
The Port
STNL Development
Terrex Development & Construction
Taft Law
ULI Cincinnati
Participants
Ideal participants are mid-career, Greater Cincinnati, Dayton and Northern Kentucky, professionals who have a strong interest in advancing their career in the real estate profession. The program will be enriched by the diversity of participants which will include people of color, women, entrepreneurs, LGBTQ, non-profit and for-profit professionals. Select leaders with varying levels of familiarity with real estate development will create a myriad of experiences and perspectives.
Candidate Criteria
Cohort members are selected from a pool of applicants through a rigorous process of screening and interviewing.
- Emerging Leader: Individuals poised to assume leadership positions and/or have an entrepreneurial drive to create and foster real estate development in their communities
- Skills: Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel
- Experience: Minimum 5 years of experience which may include education, work or real estate investment or a combination thereof
Application
Applicants are required to submit the following:
- Completed and signed application
- Short essays
- Resume or bio