CASE STUDY

PROJECT:


Community Developers Roundtable

Fort Worth

Launched by Innovan Neighborhoods, the Community Developers Roundtable in Fort Worth extends a proven Dallas model designed to expose, connect, and educate developers of color. Building on an 8-month curriculum refined over a two-year pilot, with strong support from financial institutions, community organizations, and industry associations, this market expansion brings the program’s tested structure to Fort Worth. PRAXIS continues its long-standing partnership with Innovan, providing branding, messaging, public relations, event management, and strategy for the program and its participants, including the August 28 networking activation that introduced the Roundtable to the Fort Worth ecosystem.

Situation

Innovan’s founder, Maggie Parker, envisioned a collaborative network focused on providing access, structure, and education for developers of color. Following Dallas results and due to growing demand in the North Texas region, the team introduced the program to Fort Worth to broaden impact. The expansion required localized strategy, messaging, web updates, venue sourcing, and a secure, transparent selection process capable of handling sensitive financial information while communicating clearly with prospective cohort members.

Solution

PRAXIS worked in conjunction with Innovan Neighborhoods to define and execute the Fort Worth launch:



  • Go-to-Market & Communications: Developed Fort Worth–specific narrative, eligibility, timelines, FAQs, and partner toolkits; produced email sequences, social content, and media materials aligned with Innovan’s brand.
  • Event Management (August 28 Networking Event): Location scouting and vendor selection; contracting and insurance; run-of-show, staffing, credentials, signage, and AV; facilitated guided networking between developers, lenders, and civic partners; post-event follow-ups to convert interest into applications.
  • Website Updating: Dedicated Fort Worth landing content with clear calls to action, key dates, and “how selection works” guidance; accessibility review and mobile optimization.
  • Application Technology Infrastructure: Secure, role-based portal; encrypted document intake; structured forms capturing team credentials, pipeline, and impact goals; automated confirmations, deadline reminders, reviewer routing, status updates, and interview self-scheduling.
  • Secure Financial Review: Private upload folders; recommended standardized checklists; view-only reviewer permissions; and access controls.
  • Program/Promotional Materials: Marketing collateral and materials aligned with the brand but while tailored to the Fort Worth market. 


Results:

The August 28 launch met visibility goals and brought together the right mix of stakeholders including city leadership, capital partners, community organizations, and practicing developers. The selection process is now underway through a secure, transparent review, and the applicant pool is strong enough to shape a focused, high-potential inaugural cohort. PRAXIS will remain actively involved through the mid-October kickoff and the following ten months, leading strategy, 1:1 advising, program communications and social, and ongoing event management.