It's been a while since we've checked in with you - and LAWD, have we been making moves. In addition to our ongoing growth (more on that in the highlights section), we're ALSO celebrating our SEVENTH anniversary! We won't be blowing out any candles on this cake though.... #becauseCOVID (will that ever become a thing again? I doubt it). Some days, it feels like it's been 3 years, other days, it feels like 20 - but it's always satisfying to know that we're having an impact in our community. We're thankful for all of your support through the years, and blessed to have over 300 Entrepreneurship Academy graduates in Cincinnati alone.
Women's History Month Features on IG
In late March, we took time out to conduct interviews with some incredible MORTAR Alums to celebrate Women's History Month. Our goal for these interviews was not only to highlight the BUSINESS, but the JOURNEY of the entrepreneurs behind them. What drives these women? What effect did MORTAR have on them and their business? Where do they see themselves in the future? Look for their short features (and photography by our very own Allen Woods) on our Instagram!
Future History NOW
Thank you to all that came to the Future History Now exhibit. It was a phenomenal experience. If you missed it, you can check out the virtual tour here. Thanks to the incredible artists who showcased their work and to US Bank and Lightship Capital for sponsoring!
During the challenging season of the pandemic, we haven't had the opportunity to travel to participate in panel discussions or conferences - but we have been making our rounds on the podcast scene, sharing the MORTAR story.
MORTAR'S Co-Founder and Executive Director, Allen Woods was recently featured on recent episodes of the When Pigs Fly podcast and on Brian Tome's The Aggressive Life podcast.
CINCINNATI’S INAUGURAL SMALL BUSINESS WEEK
NOW through May 9th, this week is Creating the Framework
to Support Small Business All Year Round
MORTAR is excited to be a part of Small Business Week here in Cincinnati! It's really important (especially after the year that many small businesses have experienced throughout the pandemic). Thankful for the vision from the Over-The-Rhine Chamber and Eric Kearney to make sure that it touches all 52 neighborhoods! For more details, go straight to www.CincySmallBiz.com
Virtual Bridge Series | Featuring MORTAR & Redwood | May 7
1. MORTAR continues to grow - and we're proud to announce our new partnership with P&G and Kroger as well as our new cohort. P&G and Kroger are providing funding and facilitators for our Entrepreneurship Academy, allowing entrepreneurs to directly benefit from engagement with senior leaders. This cohort, featuring B2B businesses from around the country, has started strong and will be wrapping up at the end of the summer. To read more about this partnership and cohort, click here.
2. In addition to that cohort, our virtual Spring Cohorts: 25 & 26, in Forest Park and Lincoln Heights/Lockland areas have been in session the past several weeks thanks to a sponsorship from Hamilton County. Cohorts 27 & 28 have hit the ground running as well. Though we're really excited about all of our cohorts, we have to say that the latest partnership with Queen's Village is a really special one - that even features free childcare to make sure that that won't be a barrier to entry. sessions already! Thank you to HCDC business center for hosting our in-person classes!
3. Expansion! MORTAR is preparing to launch our program in Indianapolis and Tulsa this spring. The Tulsa launch coincides with the 100th commemoration of the Black Wall Street Massacre & the efforts to rebuild the local economy in Black communities. We are also grateful to be partnering with the Tulsa Economic Development Corporation.
We are partnering with the Indy Black Chamber, CICF, and more to bring MORTAR’s Entrepreneurship Academy to the city. The cohort is slated to start at the end of the year.
We're sending huge congratulations to our recent MORTAR Alum, Tiffany Joy of San Jeanetta's Table! San Jeanetta's Table is celebrating their one year anniversary of being in business, they celebrated with a socially distanced soirée, May 1st.
San Jeanetta's Table is a husband and wife team dedicated to providing delicious, affordable food. San Jeanetta's Table (named after Dion's Grandma) prides itself on delivering fresh, home cooked meals the entire family can enjoy.
Open Thursday, Friday, & Saturday.
Order Lunch to your workplace by 10am to receive by Noon
All orders must be placed by 6pm.
Pre-orders are prioritized; Orders typically out in 90 minutes or less.
Cash, Cash App, or PayPal (no credit cards) are accepted.
Delivery is free but only available to those within 25 minutes of the Mt. Healthy location.
MORTAR Alum Tierra White is opening up her business- a member site called Tii Fit Wellness- on May 7th. This member site will contain beginner and intermediate home workouts, sample meal plans, nutrition workshops, and a lot more. Those interested can sign up for Tierra's mailing list to receive updates & discounts. Visit Tierra's site here.
This is a section of our newsletter to highlight "stuff we like," curated by members of the MORTAR team (enjoy this list of things: movies, art, books, and events we want to share).
1. Kiaya Carter, Development/Expansion Manager, is enjoying the TV show Modern Family- "It’s just good, relatable writing."- In addition, watching her daughter learn to walk.
2. Carlos Chacon, Expansion Manager, has been listening to Los Amigos Invisibles, a Venezuelan Funk band that is "music for good vibes." The band writes songs that are sung in English and Spanish.
3. Vic Mullins, Development Manager, has started gardening lately (yay, Spring!) and highly recommends the bookVegetable Gardens for Starters. Watch out for her rosemary, thyme, green beans & collards!
4. Tim Barr, Development Manager, has enjoyed spending time at the Cincy roller rink, The Place. "It's My Happy Place."
5. Shannon Hooten, Strategic Director, has been watchingK Dramas(Korean Television shows) that can be streamed on Netflix. "They have really good storylines and I get to learn about South Korean culture."
6. Allen Woods, Co-Founder and Executive Director has been listening to a podcast on Spotify called Work Smartfeaturing Morgan Debaun, an entrepreneur coach & Blavity founder. It's entrepreneur-focused & puts importance on working smarter instead of harder.
