Emerging Developers encourages applicants for year 2 of its program

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Emerging Developers announced that applications are open for year two of its program. 

It launched in late 2024 and it's dedicated to helping Black and Latino homebuilders and developers in Milwaukee, while also building affordable housing options. 

CBS 58 got to see the progress of the current home development on Monday, Nov. 9. 

There are two types of funds homebuilders and developers can apply for. 

The Launchpad Fund -- which grants up to $15,000 for pre-development costs targeting developers with limited experience. 

The Accelerator Fund -- which grants up to $50,000 for pre-development costs targeting developers who have completed three projects in the past three years. 

A recipient of the grant shared that, for him, it's more than just simply building homes. 

"I feel like there's a lot of different transient activity happens in an area with vacancy and blight, and once you start to see something going up, there's lights, there's constant activity going on, things start to settle down in the area. You start to see a little less sketchy behavior, a little bit more kids coming out to play, inquiring and being able inspired by 'Oh look, there's someone that looks like me building houses, I didn't know that was a possibility." So that's one of the big things that I think this means to me," said Keith Turner, Milwaukee homebuilder and developer. 

The applications for the grants are open until the funds run out.