GIVING TWOSDAY
During this season of GIVING, we want to share some BIG news with you: We're THRILLED to announce that through our Iron Chest Fund, we've crossed the threshold of putting 500k directly into the hands of our alumni!!
SOMETIMES the capital was for emergency covid relief to sustain their businesses, OTHER TIMES it was in the form of grants, loans, or even an equity investment - but EVERY TIME it was an opportunity to invest in the future economy of Cincinnati (and we've even had a chance to support some of the entrepreneurs who call our expansion cities home)!
We started The Iron Chest Fund because we saw that many of the MORTAR graduates needed access to capital... whether it was an alum who needed to have additional cash flow, fill a purchase order, get new equipment, complete facility updates, or take their business to the next level.
As you're considering your charitable contributions this season, we ask that you consider donating to our Iron Chest Fund so that we can continue to have a direct impact in our community by supporting our amazingly talented entrepreneurs! You can use the Link Below to make your tax-deductible contribution. Thank you in advance for your generosity!
LET'S TALK ABOUT HOMECOMING!
On October 22nd we held our 2nd Annual MORTAR HOMECOMING Block Party to celebrate our eighth anniversary. WHAT AN ABSOLUTE BLAST! We'd like to take this opportunity to thank not only our talented alumni vendors, but all of our friends, family, and neighbors for coming out and making Homecoming the success it was. Check out the recap video to relive the highlights from this very special MORTAR event.
If you like the new 1/4 zip Varsity sweatshirts that our team is rocking, be sure to order yours from our online store!
NOVEMBER IS NATIONAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP MONTH
During National Entrepreneurship Month, we celebrate the doers, dreamers, and job creators whose vision and grit fuel our economy and capture the essence of America. This month, we'd like to take a moment and acknowledge and express our gratitude to all of the entrepreneurs we've had the honor of serving over the past eight years. Click here for a proclamation from the White House regarding National Entrepreneurship Month.
20K IN CASH PRIZES? P!+CH, PLEASE!
We're closing out 2022 with our second City-Wide Pitch Competition, P!+ch Please!!
Join us on Saturday, December 10th, for an inspiring night of networking, competition, and celebration at Memorial Hall. We begin at 5 PM for hors d'oeuvres, drinks, and conversation before moving into the theater for the pitch competition. Ten pitchers will compete for a chance to win $20,000 in cash awards. Our Alumni will be in the running to win a special gift as well, but you'll have to BE THERE to find out what it is! Afterward, we'll celebrate with a "Happy Hour" featuring dessert and [more] drinks. Food and dessert provided by MORTAR Alumni, of course!
Tickets are $10.00 and include food and a drink ticket.
BRICK IS OPEN!
The holidays are here and Black Friday marked the official relaunch of BRICK Pop Up Shops! BRICK provides space and opportunity for entrepreneurs in the Cincinnati area to test and grow their businesses in real-time with real customers.
Make sure to follow BRICK on Instagram to stay up to date on the new space and see which vendors you can visit each weekend at BRICK! Interested in poppin' up shop? Visit our website and apply!
GCF + MORTAR
Having been past recipients of the GCF Racial Justice Fund Grant, we were honored to partner with them and five alumni businesses for a wonderful evening of conversation and connection.
As the region’s leading community foundation, Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF) connects people with purpose in an eight-county region in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. GCF is leading the charge toward a more vibrant and equitable Greater Cincinnati for everyone — now, and for generations to come.
After all the frantic holiday baking, gift shopping, and travel, we'll gladly take any opportunity to kick back by the fire with a deliciously festive holiday drink. We asked the MORTAR team what their favorite holiday beverages were. Maybe you'll find YOUR favorite in our conversation.
