Why Jumpstart?
Jumpstart is a new model of community development that provides training, mentoring, networking, and financing options for aspiring local developers. Jumpstart:
creates opportunities for local residents to invest and develop in their neighborhoods
builds wealth locally
supports scattered-site rehabilitation (as opposed to urban renewal)
encourages a healthy mix of affordable and market-rate housing
improves neighborhood safety and raises property values through blight reduction
helps first-time investors become more attractive to traditional lenders
increases diversity, changing the face of real estate development
Three Jumpstart Initiatives
Training and Mentoring
9 hours of instruction and access to an experienced mentor
Developers' Network
A speaker series and online forum for sharing resources
Loan Program
Financing options for acquisition and construction
Resources To Get Started
what people are saying about jumpstart
JUMPSTART PHILLY
But the program’s most profound impact may be in the network of entrepreneurs it has created — developers who are now helping others transform their own communities. Cerquiera helped Jumpstart develop its Spanish-speaking training program. Shah has created a training program that helps women and LGBTQ people become developers.
Philadelphia Citizen
Courtney Duchene 1/29/25
JUMPSTART INDY
“Our vision was to leverage resources from the city to create something a resident and a homeowner in this community wouldn’t think they can afford,” Brown said. “It’s about continuing to invest in the community — and in people.”
WRTV - Indianapolis
Adam Schumes 9/4/25
JUMPSTART GERMANTOWN
Laureal Robinson loved the historic architecture of her Germantown neighborhood, but lacked the finances and expertise to fix up properties that had fallen into disrepair. That changed when she read an article about Jumpstart Germantown.
Hidden City
Stacia Friedman 4/9/2024
JUMPSTART PHILLY
“When this program came out, it was just like hallelujah,” Tull said, singing her joy into the word. Tull has continued to fix Philadelphia properties using Jumpstart loans, alongside the program’s other graduates, most of whom are people of color and women.
The Philadelphia Inquirer
Michaelle Bond 9/6/2023
JUMPSTART WILMINGTON
“Members of Wilmington City Council passed a measure that would give seven vacant properties on the city’s west side to graduates of the Jumpstart program. The goal is to help residents of the neighborhoods where these homes are located become redevelopers within the community.”
WHYY
Mark Eichmann 7/19/22
JUMPSTART GERMANTOWN
“We wanted to redevelop the neighborhoods that we know and grew up in,” said Williams. “We noticed how other houses in the neighborhood were being [redeveloped]. In some cases, you would see people coming in and not really doing the best jobs they could.”
Plan Philly
Jake Blumgart 8/31/17
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