Imagination Incubator Application 

Imagination Incubator is a real estate incubator designed to support early-stage developers, entrepreneurs, and investors in navigating the complex real estate market. Our mission is to provide a collaborative platform where emerging talent and experienced professionals can come together to create innovative, sustainable, and community-centered real estate projects. The incubator will focus on residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments, leveraging local capital, expertise, and partnerships to drive economic growth, stimulate job creation, and foster a thriving real estate ecosystem.

Please Review the application requirements here: Imagination Incubator Application. Please submit all documents as one consolidated PDF file.

Imagination Incubator is a real estate incubator designed to support early-stage developers, entrepreneurs, and investors in navigating the complex real estate market. Our mission is to provide a collaborative platform where emerging talent and experienced professionals can come together to create innovative, sustainable, and community-centered real estate projects. The incubator will focus on residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments, leveraging local capital, expertise, and partnerships to drive economic growth, stimulate job creation, and foster a thriving real estate ecosystem. 

Imagination incubators offer a collaborative space, mentorship, networking opportunities, funding support and the use of shared resources to help see your company’s project to fruition. 

Application 

Please review the numbered headers below and prepare responses. Please compile your responses into a consolidated PDF Document for the Imagination Incubator’s review. Contact Ashley.imaginationthinktank@gmail.com with questions. 

Location & Market Potential

Geographic Focus:

Submit a site map or location description indicating the specific project area, including any Opportunity Zones or urban revitalization zones.

Provide neighborhood demographic data and information on the area's potential for growth.

Market Demand:

Submit a market study or feasibility report that demonstrates demand for the type of property (affordable housing, mixed-use, commercial, etc.). (this doesn’t need to be from a firm but should be all inclusive) 

Provide evidence of existing or projected market needs for the proposed property type.

Economic Trends:

Submit data on population growth, employment trends, and infrastructure development in the area (e.g., transportation improvements, new schools, businesses, etc.).

Provide economic forecasts or studies relevant to the market and location.

Financial Feasibility

Projections:

Submit a financial model outlining revenue projections, operating expenses, and expected cash flow over the life of the project.

Provide a break-even analysis and forecast for ROI.

Capital Stack:

Submit a capital stack breakdown showing the sources of funding (debt, equity, grants, etc.). (Sources & Uses)

Provide information on any other funding sources and provide evidence 

Risk Mitigation:

Submit a risk assessment document that identifies potential risks (e.g., construction delays, cost overruns, market fluctuations) and outlines mitigation strategies.

Exit Strategy:

Submit a detailed exit strategy document, specifying whether the exit will be through sale, refinancing, or long-term hold.

Provide timeframes and financial return expectations tied to the exit plan.

Operator Experience & Track Record

Proven Track Record:

Submit project portfolio or case studies demonstrating experience with similar real estate projects, including timelines, outcomes, and ROI achieved.

Provide references from previous clients or partners to verify past success.

Leadership Team:

Submit biographies and resumes of the leadership team members, highlighting their experience in project management, construction, finance, and marketing.

Provide an organizational chart showing key roles and responsibilities.

Reputation:

Submit testimonials or letters of recommendation from local government officials, vendors, or industry peers.

Include any accreditations or certifications relevant to the industry.

Community Impact

Affordable Housing:

Submit plans for affordable housing components or community-benefit initiatives (e.g., workforce housing, green spaces) included in the project.

Provide affordable housing metrics or references to applicable programs like LIHTC.

Social Impact:

Submit a community engagement plan detailing how the project will contribute to local job creation, business development, or community amenities.

Provide social impact assessments and any partnerships with local nonprofits or community organizations.

Sustainability:

Submit environmental sustainability plans, including any green building certifications (e.g., LEED).

Provide documentation of energy-efficient construction methods or other sustainable practices planned for the project.

Risk-Return Profile

Risk Tolerance:

Submit a risk assessment report that identifies and evaluates the project's risk-return profile.

Provide return projections with clear assumptions for varying risk levels (low, moderate, high).

Diversification:

Submit a portfolio diversification plan that explains how the project complements or diversifies the fund’s existing investments (e.g., property type, geography, tenant base).

Legal and Compliance

Zoning and Permitting:

Submit proof of zoning compliance or zoning approvals from local authorities.

Provide copies of permits or a timeline for obtaining necessary permits.

Regulatory Compliance:

Submit a regulatory compliance plan ensuring adherence to tenant rights, fair housing, and environmental regulations.

Provide information on whether the project qualifies for any government incentives (e.g., LIHTC, NMTC).

Legal Structure:

Submit the legal structure document for the operator (e.g., LLC, joint venture) and provide a brief explanation of why this structure is appropriate for the project.

Submit deed, hud-1 or show proof of site control. 

Sustainability & Long-Term Value

Building Lifespan:

Submit design and construction plans that ensure the building's long-term durability, minimal maintenance, and longevity.

Provide maintenance schedules and anticipated lifespan for the building’s systems (e.g., HVAC, roofing, plumbing).

Tenant Retention:

Submit a tenant retention strategy, including amenities, property management practices, and leasing incentives.

Provide market surveys or feedback from tenants in similar properties managed by the operator.

Investment Size

Project Size:

Submit an estimated project budget outlining costs associated with acquisition, construction, or rehabilitation, and provide a rationale for the project’s scale.

Specify the investment amount being requested from the equity fund.

Equity Commitment:

Submit a proposed equity commitment document, including the percentage of equity being committed by the operator versus the fund’s contribution.

Provide a breakdown of how the equity will be allocated across different project stages.