CRE Launch Cleveland: Commercial Real Estate Training & Mentorship Program Now Available in Ohio
Commercial real estate training in Cleveland, Ohio has been elevated with the arrival of CRE Launch — a nationally recognized, 10-week CRE education and mentorship program designed to prepare the next generation of commercial real estate professionals. Whether a career change is being considered or existing industry knowledge is being deepened, this structured program has been built to deliver results.
What Is the CRE Launch Program?
CRE Launch is a 10-week commercial real estate training program founded in San Antonio in 2020 by Bethany Babcock of Foresite Commercial Real Estate. The program was originally developed as an internal training resource before being opened to the public — and the demand was immediate. Since its launch, more than 143 students have been served by the program and 22 scholarships have been awarded to qualified applicants.
Today, the program is offered across multiple cities including Chicago, Atlanta, Miami, Dallas, Nashville, and now Cleveland, Ohio — making professional CRE education more accessible than ever to Ohio-based real estate professionals and career changers alike.
What Is Covered in the CRE Launch Curriculum?
Participants in the Cleveland commercial real estate training program are exposed to a comprehensive curriculum developed and taught by working industry professionals. Topics covered include:
- Commercial real estate investment sales and underwriting
- Multifamily development and property management
- Commercial lending and debt structures
- Retail development and leasing strategies
- Entitlements and the development approval process
- Legal structures and ownership entities in CRE
- Building design and MEP systems fundamentals
In-person lectures are held twice weekly (Mondays and Thursdays, 12–1pm), and self-paced online modules are completed throughout the week, with 10–15 hours of coursework recommended per week. Real-world assignments and assessments are incorporated throughout the program to reinforce applied learning.
One-on-One CRE Mentorship Is Included
One of the most valued components of the CRE Launch program is the one-on-one mentorship that is provided to every enrolled student. Each participant is matched with an experienced industry mentor in their area of focus — whether that is investment sales, brokerage, lending, development, or property management.
This mentorship model has been widely credited by alumni for accelerating career placement. Placements have been secured at firms including JLL, NorthMarq, and Partners Real Estate — with employers specifically citing CRE Launch participation as a differentiating factor in the hiring process.
Who Is the Cleveland CRE Training Program Designed For?
The CRE Launch Cleveland campus has been designed to serve two primary audiences:
Current industry professionals — including commercial real estate attorneys, lenders, brokers, and property managers — who are seeking a more complete understanding of the broader CRE landscape.
Emerging professionals and career changers — including recent graduates, military veterans, business owners, and banking professionals — who are looking to break into commercial real estate with a strong foundational education.
In the Class of 2024, more than half of enrolled students had less than one year of commercial real estate experience at the time of enrollment. Nearly 39% of students identified as female, and participants were drawn from more than 16 brokerage firms nationwide. The program has been recognized for its commitment to diversity and inclusion within the commercial real estate industry.
Why Cleveland Is the Right Market for CRE Launch
Cleveland’s commercial real estate market has seen significant activity in industrial development, mixed-use projects, and multifamily housing — sectors that are well-represented throughout the CRE Launch curriculum. At the same time, a well-documented talent shortage is being experienced across the CRE industry nationally, with an increasing number of experienced professionals approaching retirement and fewer qualified candidates being identified to fill their roles.
The CRE Launch Cleveland program has been positioned as a solution to that challenge — offering a structured, mentor-guided pathway into the industry for local talent, while connecting Cleveland-area students with a national peer network and curriculum developed by leading CRE professionals.
What Has Been Said by CRE Launch Alumni?
The program has been praised consistently by graduates across multiple cohorts. Among the feedback that has been shared:
“This course has been extremely impactful for my professional development. I recently spoke with a broker whom I consider a mentor, and he was impressed with my progress in understanding CRE topics.” — Frank Nater, Class of 2025
“I actually used [the CRE Launch Program] to get my job at JLL. They heard of the program and they were really excited because of it. That’s one of the reasons why they hired me.” — Angelica Griesenbeck, Class of 2024
“My career is in commercial lending and this is where the class really helped me become both more confident in talking to customers about development projects.” — Kyle Bubela, Class of 2021
How to Apply for the CRE Launch Cleveland Program
Applications for the CRE Launch Cleveland program are accepted through the program’s official website. Scholarship opportunities are available for qualifying applicants, and mentorship matching is coordinated as part of the enrollment process.
In addition to student applications, involvement is welcomed from Cleveland-area CRE professionals interested in serving as mentors, graders, or program sponsors — providing an opportunity to invest in the region’s commercial real estate talent pipeline while expanding professional networks.
Ready to launch your commercial real estate career in Cleveland? Learn more and apply at cre-launch.com/cleveland.
