In response to the urgent need for attainable housing and greater local ownership in Coastal Georgia, Housing Savannah Inc., a 501c3 nonprofit, is proud to announce the launch of a new program – Jumpstart Coastal Georgia. This real estate development training program is designed to equip local residents with the skills, knowledge, and resources to revitalize their communities — one property at a time.

Modeled after the nationally recognized Jumpstart Germantown program in Philadelphia, Jumpstart Coastal Georgia provides comprehensive, community-rooted training for aspiring small-scale developers across Bryan, Chatham, and Effingham counties. The 10-week in-person program offers 25 hours of targeted instruction in deal analysis, project financing, permitting, construction, and property sales or leasing. Participants also receive personalized mentorship and are introduced to trusted capital networks to help bring their projects to life.

“We want to build for a better Coastal Georgia,” said Laura Lane McKinnon, Executive Director of Housing Savannah. “This program is about more than just buildings. It’s about growing local talent, creating generational wealth, and ensuring that the people who live here get to shape the future of their neighborhoods.”

Jumpstart Coastal Georgia would not be possible without the generous support of founding sponsors: Airbnb, BankSouth, East Savannah United, Konter Quality Homes, and Landmark 24. Their investment is helping to seed the next generation of community developers and changemakers. Housing Savannah is actively seeking additional sponsors to expand the program’s reach and impact.

Addressing a Critical Housing Gap

Housing plays a critical role in the economic stability of the region and the well-being of local residents. A recent Georgia Tech study showed the region is under increasing strain, and with housing demand expected to grow, community solutions to solving the housing crisis are needed. Currently, most developers and out-of-town investors only take on large-scale development and overlook underutilized lots and distressed properties. Jumpstart Coastal Georgia directly tackles two primary barriers that keep locals out of development: a lack of experience and limited access to capital.

The program offers 25 hours of in-person training, covering deal analysis, financing, permitting, construction, leasing or sales, and more, with expert one-on-one mentoring and connections to financial resources. Moving forward, the program is expected to be offered annually, growing a pipeline of community-focused developers who tackle affordable housing and strengthen their neighborhoods.

Fall 2025 Training Program Overview

• Program Dates: September 8 – November 10, 2025

• Sessions: Monday evenings, 6:00 – 8:30 PM (Dinner will be provided for participants)

• Location: The Fellowship Hall of Trinity United Methodist Church, 225 W. Presidents Street, Savannah

• Fee: $100 (registration due upon acceptance; limited scholarships available)

• Applications Close: August 8, 2025

• Notification of Acceptance: August 15, 2025

No prior real estate or development experience is required. The program is open to residents of Bryan, Chatham, and Effingham counties who are passionate about strengthening their communities and ready to take the first step into small-scale real estate development.

Why It Matters

 Jumpstart Coastal Georgia is more than a training—it’s a strategy for sustainable, inclusive growth. By equipping residents with development skills, mentorship, and access to resources, the program advances:

• Local ownership and generational wealth creation

• Attainable housing in both urban and rural communities

• Neighborhood revitalization without displacement

• A stronger, more equitable regional economy

Join the Movement

 Jumpstart Coastal Georgia is currently seeking funding partners, referral networks, expert speakers, collaborators, and participants.

For more information or to get involved, contact: Laura Lane McKinnon Phone: (912) 412-5437 Email: [email protected]

To Apply: https://housingsavannah.org/jumpstart_coastal_georgia/

Let’s grow the people who will grow the housing our region needs. Let’s Build For a Better Coastal Georgia.

Led by Housing Savannah and Jumpstart Coastal Georgia. Learn more at housingsavannah.org.