The Small Developer Boot Camp: Your Path to Real-World Impact
You have a dream for your neighborhood.
Maybe it’s about revitalizing a forgotten space on your block, creating quality housing where there isn’t any, or finally opening that small business you’ve always imagined. You know the best places are built by people who love them. People like you.
Starts November 5, 2025
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Wednesdays, 3:30-7:00pm PT
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Starts November 5, 2025 • Wednesdays, 3:30-7:00pm PT •
This program is hosted and part of the City of Sacramento and Build It Green’s Small Developer Incubator initiatives.
Any of this sound familiar?
The Path Feels Unclear
Development projects come with endless moving parts that can feel overwhelming. We'll give you the proven tools to navigate zoning, financing, and construction, helping you build something that works for your neighborhood and your bottom line.
Investors Feel Unreachable
The best ideas for a neighborhoods come from the people who live there, but getting these projects funded can be incredibly hard. Our faculty of experienced small developers will teach you how to do proper due diligence and create compelling investor presentations to put your best foot forward and secure the funding your project deserves.
You Need Answers
There's so much to learn in this complex field, and we're here to provide guidance. Through focused presentations and live coaching sessions with our faculty, you'll get practical insight on your specific project—from pro formas to permitting—so you can take the next smallest step with confidence.
Our Small Developer Boot Camp was designed for folks just like you.
“The boot camp built my confidence in working with pro formas and developing the appropriate level of detail for concepts and pitches.
Joe Silins, Tierra Buena Home and Garden in Tucson, AZ
Bring Your Project
You’re coming into a hands-on experience designed for your specific project.
• Come with a real-world idea, like transforming a historic storefront or rehabilitating a rundown triplex.
• Work directly on your own project, refining your vision and laying the groundwork for a successful plan.
• Ensure everything you learn is immediately applicable to your goals.
Follow Our Framework
Over five weeks, you'll work directly with our expert faculty to apply a proven, step-by-step framework to your project.
• Learn to structure your business and run the numbers on your pro forma.
• Conduct due diligence and prepare a professional pitch package.
• Gain the tools and confidence to create a solid business plan.
Launch Your Vision
You'll leave with a complete pitch package and the confidence to take action.
• Participate in a "Dolphin Tank" practice pitch session for friendly, supportive feedback.
• Get the comprehensive resources and polished materials you need to succeed.
• Be prepared to secure the funding and support to turn your vision into a tangible, profitable reality.
Ready to stop dreaming and start doing?
Without a clear plan, your project could remain a dream. You might continue to feel stuck, watching your neighborhood's potential go unrealized. Don't let your vision for a better community fade away because you didn't have the right tools. As a boot camp participant, you'll receive the resources you need to get your project funded and built.
Resources and tools include:
Small Business Association (SBA) Loan Application Checklist
IncDev Zoning Worksheet
Engineer Scale (12-inch)
Step-by-Step Pro Forma
Pocket Pro Forma
Pitch Package Worksheet & Template Pitch Deck
...and more, all designed to help you succeed.
Meet Your Guides
Marques King, RA NCARB CNU
Studio Director, Pure Architects - Detroit, MI
Marques first trained as an electrician, following his father's footsteps, then transitioned through cabinet-making and drafting structural steel before discovering architecture. He earned his Bachelor of Architecture and Bachelor of Construction Management from Lawrence Technological University, later completing his Master of Architecture with Urban Design focus from the University of Maryland. His design philosophy roots in urban activist Jane Jacobs, whose advocacy for quality buildings creating equitable public spaces influences his work today. In 14 years as a professional, Marques remains committed to giving back, serving on national boards including Form Based Code Institute, Congress for New Urbanism, and Incremental Development Alliance.
Neil Heller
Principal at Neighborhood Workshop - Portland, OR
Neil is a national award-winning urban planner and designer specializing in aligning municipal regulations with community development goals through real estate pro-forma analysis. He combines expertise in design, housing policy, and development to create user-focused solutions and equitable housing policies. As a small landlord managing 2-4 unit buildings and longtime Portland housing advocate, he brings practical experience to regulatory reform. Neil was recently featured in Sightline for his work providing financial justification for increasing housing units on single-dwelling lots owned by nonprofits.
Dan Zack
President and Principal Planner at Zack Urban Solutions - Fresno, CA
Dan is President of Zack Urban Solutions, dedicated to transforming cities into vibrant, sustainable communities. With over two decades of experience, including serving as Assistant Director at the City of Fresno, he specializes in downtown revitalization, strategic planning, and innovative placemaking. His award-winning projects focus on creating walkable, equitable spaces that promote shared prosperity and reflect each community's unique spirit.
Registration & Dates
To ensure a high-quality experience, attendance at an IncDev Small Scale Development Workshop or Seminar is required.
Sessions will be offered in alternating live-streaming virtual and in-person:
Wednesday, November 5: 4–7 PM PT - Structuring Your Development Business (Virtual)
Wednesday, November 12: 3:30–7 PM PT - Figuring Out Your Long Game (In-Person)
Wednesday, November 19: 4–7 PM PT - Analyzing a Particular Project (Virtual)
Wednesday, December 3: 3:30–7 PM PT - Pitching a Project (In-Person)
—————-INVESTOR PITCH DAYS & SMALL DEVELOPER SHOWCASE———————-
Saturday, January 10: Practice Pitch Session “Dolphin Tank” + Small Developer Supplier & Service Showcase (In-Person - Sacramento)
Sunday, January 11: Practice Pitch Session “Dolphin Tank” + Small Developer Supplier & Service Showcase (In-Person - East Bay)
Note: In-Person sessions will be offered in a Sacramento and Oakland location unless otherwise stated.
Registration Fees:
Early Bird Registration Rate (through 10/15): $499
Regular Registration Rate (through 10/22): $549
Last Minute Registration Rate: $599 (open if spots are available)
Associate and Charter Member Rate: 20% Discount (Code available via Member Portal)
INTEREST FORM:
Interested in turning your neighborhood project into reality? This boot camp is available for a limited cohort of emerging small developers in East Bay and Sacramento. Fill out this form and the host teams will follow up shortly with next steps.
This program is made possible by the generous support of the following sponsors:
