The Black Squirrel Economic Alliance was established to sustain and expand the impact of the RiSE Real Estate Accelerator. In response to growing demand, Black Squirrel launched the Alliance as a dedicated 501(c)(3) nonprofit to lead the long-term growth of RiSE and related real estate initiatives. This strategic move strengthens the organization’s capacity to deliver the RiSE Accelerator, affordable housing programs, and land-use services—advancing its mission to create economic opportunity through community-driven real estate development.

Guided by a committed leadership team, the Alliance is led by Executive Director Thom Webster, a seasoned business leader and community investment strategist with decades of experience forging partnerships and expanding access to capital for underrepresented founders. Supporting this mission is a team of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) specializing in training and curriculum design, accelerator development and management, program operations and community engagement, and administrative support to ensure seamless day-to-day execution.

Together, this team with its advisors blends deep expertise in community development, real estate, business sustainability and nonprofit management with an unwavering commitment to equitable growth.