CommunityWorks marks the completion of its inaugural Emerging Developer Bootcamp cohort, a hands-on program designed to equip local landowners with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to execute affordable residential development projects.
The program supports CommunityWorks’ community reinvestment and small business development goals by activating local landowners as neighborhood-scale developers, increasing housing supply, and expanding access to technical assistance and capital readiness resources.
This first cohort included participants who completed the program with a shared commitment to developing single-family and small multi-family housing and strengthening their communities through local investment:
Candace Wiley, Jeta Properties
Christie McCray, CP Property Preservation Group LLC
Ivan Jenkins, AI Asset Group
Jacqueline Page, Full Page Development LLC
Karen Cleveland, Cleveland Cottages
Leroy Pinckney, LPBR1
Marlo Camon, Trinity Logistics & Consulting Group, LLC
Marla Blake, NextHome Lenny Gaines & Co.
Sir Nicholas Blocker, Blocker Builds
Tameka Thomason, Beyond Housing SC
Tya Kennedy, TLK Housing Foundation
Tirell Williams, M and M Enterprises of SC, LLC
Shelby Richards, YRP LLC
Facilitated by Racquel Collier, the bootcamp provided practical, market-specific guidance for individuals ready to take the next step toward residential development. Through a combination of virtual learning, in-person instruction, and post-program consulting, participants gained a clear framework for navigating the development process—from feasibility and team building to timelines, financing readiness, and next steps.
“The Emerging Developer Bootcamp is about building capacity throughout South Carolina and creating new pathways to affordable housing,” said LaTorrie Geer, CEO of CommunityWorks. “This first cohort represents an important step forward in expanding access to industry knowledge and supporting projects that will strengthen communities across the state.”
The Emerging Developer Bootcamp began with a virtual session on March 24 and concluded with an in-person workshop on March 31. Participants will continue to receive post-program consulting support as they move their projects forward. CommunityWorks will continue to offer programs like the Emerging Developer Bootcamp as part of its mission to create access to brighter financial futures and support sustainable community development across the region.
