This Giving Tuesday kicked off our 10-day Giving Challenge with Cincinnati Magazine where participating non-profits were able to raise funds to power their mission. It has been a great way to reflect on our "WHY," and loop in our community. We raised $7,646.94 and are extremely grateful to all of those who donated, told a friend, and shared a post!
How To Build An Inclusive Economy
The Skoll Foundation did a wonderful video that discussed the importance of unlocking America's inclusive economy. MORTAR's Co-Founder and Executive Director, Allen Woods was featured and provided insight on the local economy here in Cincinnati.
The End of the Beginning
Shout out to our newest MORTAR Alums! A special congratulations to Judge's Choice Winner, Christiana Tait, Owner of As You Are Beauty Co and People's Choice Winner, Aretha Furr, Owner of A-List Transportation. Pitch Night was a fantastic evening full of fun, community and great pitches! Click the link to book a makeup package with As You are Beauty Co or if you need a lift, call A-List Transportation!
Jack Daniel's New Beginnings Grant Recipient
Our graduates from our unique 2021 cohort with P&G and Kroger, Beyond the Grill Seasonings, have been awarded $5,000 from the Jack Daniel's New Beginnings Grant! Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey set out to assist Black, small-business owners by giving away $5,000 to owners whose brand reflects the robust flavors of Jack Daniel's Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel's Tennessee Apple, and Jack Daniel's Tennessee Fire! KUDOS to them!
YEAR-END GIVING
If you've already sent your year-end donation, THANK YOU! Your continued support and generosity fuel our mission.
Our Alumni and team here at MORTAR have accomplished so much in 2021. As the year comes to a close we ask that you consider donating to MORTAR to further our entrepreneurial efforts in closing the wealth gap.MORTAR relies heavily on the community’s support in making the work that we do and the resources we provide for entrepreneurs possible. I hope you’ll join our friends and family this holiday season in supporting the vision of MORTAR. We are on a mission to raise $10,000 that will directly support entrepreneurs who want to build legacies for their families and we are almost there! Click here to donate!
This section of the newsletter is normally where we share our taste of culture, new art, or books to check out, but this week we’ll share what we are grateful for.
“I am grateful for life, my family, and my health.” -De’Marco Kidd, Alumni Manager
“Family, food, fellowship!!!” -Roycelle Parker, Executive Assistant and Bookkeeper
“My family, My home, Black Women.” -Kiaya Carter, Expansion Director
“I am thankful for my wife, she's the most amazing person that I've ever met - and she's truly made me a better person. I'm also thankful for the entire MORTAR team, this year has been a heavy lift - but this team has stepped up and made several miracles happen. Lastly, I'm thankful for the journey; even the rough roads have been full of learnings.” -Allen Woods, Co-Founder and Executive Director
“I am sooooo grateful for my family! I am grateful for God's Grace! And grateful for my health!” -Brittany Long, Development Manager
“I’m thankful for love, God, good work, nature, the journey, humble beginnings and music.”-Adalia Powell-Boehne, Academy Manager
"I'm thankful for the health of my family and friends, continuous growth (personally and professionally), and that the holiday season is upon us." -Shannon Hooten, Strategic Director
"Community, health, and the opportunity to grow." -Ashantia Collins, Expansion Manager
Roses
We want to give roses to ALL of the partners who made our most recent Pitch Night happen. Your support is truly appreciated! Thank you to Cincinnati Children's, JP Morgan Chase & CO., Avondale Community Council, and would like to extend our gratitude to our growing partnerships with Kroger and LISC who provided special funds, promotion, and support for some of our selected food participants this past fall.
