NHCA Build the Builder Program
Overview
The NHCA Build the Builder Program identifies and supports emerging real estate developers who are committed to building and investing in their communities. The program provides education, mentorship, and industry access designed to help participants successfully execute development projects.
Participants are selected through a competitive application process designed to evaluate experience, development readiness, and alignment with NHCA's mission.
Applications are reviewed using two evaluation tools:
- Build the Builder Application Form
- Build the Builder Applicant Evaluation Rubric
These tools allow NHCA to identify applicants who demonstrate the strongest potential to successfully pursue real estate development projects.
Application Process
Application Period
Applications are open to the public for approximately four weeks.
Applicants must submit their completed application via email to: support@nhca.pro
Application Deadline: April 11
Once your application has been submitted, you will receive an email confirmation confirming that your application has been successfully received.
Promotion Channels
NHCA promotes the application period through:
- NHCA website
- Industry organizations and partners
- Community development networks
- Social media
- Real estate and construction professional networks
The goal is to attract applicants who are actively pursuing or preparing to pursue development opportunities.
Application Review Process
After the application deadline:
- Applications are compiled and prepared for review.
- Personal identifying information may be removed to help reduce bias during the review process.
- Applications are evaluated using the Build the Builder Applicant Scoring Rubric.
- The Build the Builder Advisory Committee reviews scored applications and supporting materials.
Applicant Evaluation
Applicants are evaluated using a standardized 35-point scoring rubric. Each applicant is scored across seven categories, with a maximum of 5 points per category.
Experience Scale
Applicants rate their experience level using the following scale:
- 1
- None
- 2
- Developing
- 3
- Moderate
- 4
- Strong
- 5
- Expert
Responses are scored numerically and averaged within each rubric category.
Evaluation Categories
Applicants are evaluated across seven key areas:
Development Experience
Applicants with professional experience related to real estate development are prioritized, including backgrounds in:
- Construction
- Architecture or planning
- Finance or lending
- Real estate brokerage
- Property management
- Development or investment
Development Track Record
Applicants are evaluated based on their history of attempting or completing real estate projects, including:
- Predevelopment work
- Property acquisition
- Renovations or new construction
- Leasing or sales
Applicants who have actively attempted to implement projects receive stronger scores.
Development Readiness
These categories assess whether the applicant is ready to pursue development in the near term, including whether they:
- Have identified land or property
- Have access to capital
- Are actively pursuing development opportunities
- Have begun planning a development project
Applicants who are ready to build now or in the near future are prioritized.
Strategic Priority
The final category allows NHCA to prioritize applicants based on strategic considerations such as:
- Geographic priorities
- Community impact
- Alignment with NHCA's mission
- Support for historically underrepresented developers
Cohort Selection
After scoring is completed, the Build the Builder Advisory Committee reviews the ranked applications. Committee members identify their top candidates, and additional points are assigned based on committee selections.
The highest-scoring applicants are invited to join the program cohort. Typically, up to 20 participants are selected for each cohort.
Scholarships
Scholarships are not currently available.
NHCA continues to explore scholarship opportunities with program partners and sponsors. Applicants interested in updates regarding potential scholarship opportunities may contact: support@nhca.pro
Applicant Notification
Selected applicants are typically notified 2–4 weeks before the program begins. This allows participants to:
- Confirm participation
- Prepare for program sessions
- Complete onboarding requirements
Applicants who are not selected may be encouraged to apply for future cohorts.
Program Timeline
- February Initial Outreach
- March 10 – April 11 Application Submissions
- April 11 – April 15 Applicant Selection
- April 22 Program Orientation
- May 6 – May 10 Training Week
- May 20 – May 22 Project Presentations
- May 27 – May 29 Evaluations
- June Post Training Assistance
Contact support@nhca.pro for more information.