THE problem

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 Women have historically faced systemic barriers to success in commercial real estate (CRE), especially women of color. Pay disparities, limited access to financing, and unequal venture capital funding have left many capable women without the resources to advance their projects.

The Women’s Sustainable Development Initiative (WSDI) exists to change that. We provide predevelopment funding, technical assistance, and mentorship that help emerging developers move projects from concept to construction. Through our programs—including WE Build and the upcoming 2026 WE Develop cohort—WSDI equips women developers with the tools, networks, and capital access needed to build sustainable projects that strengthen Michigan communities. Equity Barriers Facing Women in Commercial Real Estate & Real Estate Finance.

Systemic barriers—especially for women of color—persist in commercial real estate (CRE):

• Pay Gap
  According to CREW Network’s 2020 Benchmark Study, women in CRE earned 34% less in total compensation than men—a nearly 11% increase in the gap since 2015. Fixed salary disparities stood at 10.2%, meaning women earn about 90 cents for every dollar men make. Commission and bonus earnings were even more skewed: women earned 56% less than men on average, with the gap widening for women of color—Black women earned 71% less, Asian women 73% less, and Hispanic/Latina women 74% less. Inc.comInstagram+8crewnetwork.org+8Cloudinary+8
   
• Limited Financing Access for Minority‑Owned Firms
  Minority-owned businesses frequently face greater hurdles securing loans—lower approval rates, smaller loan amounts, and higher interest rates—according to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency. ([Note: specific citation was mentioned as needed])
   
• Venture Capital Disparities
  In 2024, female-only founding teams received just 2.3% of global VC funding, totaling $6.7 billion of the $289 billion invested. These teams accounted for 6.4% of deals, but average deal sizes were less than half those of male-only teams. ReutersWikipedia+15Founders Forum Group+15Wikipedia+15
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  This aligns with long-term trends—Harvard Kennedy School research shows a 30-year average of 2.4% for female-only founder VC funding—virtually unchanged. Financial Times+5Harvard Kennedy School+5Inc.com+5
   

These inequities leave many capable women and women-of-color developers without the 

financial and structural support necessary to move their projects from concept to completion.

WSDI is committed to dismantling these barriers:

• Providing Pre-Development Funding
  WSDI offers early-stage funding that covers critical project startup costs (like feasibility studies, legal services, and site prep), helping women developers overcome the most common financial roadblocks.
   
• Preparing for Permanent Financing
  Through technical assistance, mentorship, and guidance on project readiness, WSDI helps participants better position their developments for long-term financing.
   
• Connecting to Inclusive Funder Networks
  WSDI actively connects women developers with a diverse network of funders—including those prioritizing women-led or community-centered real estate investments.
   
• Building Visibility and Market Access
  By strengthening women’s credibility and presence in the CRE sector, WSDI promotes a culture of investment in women developers—expanding access, fostering trust, and creating opportunity.
   

By addressing both the capital gap and network gap, WSDI empowers women developers to 

deliver meaningful, neighborhood-scale projects that generate wealth, employment, 

and stronger communities.