MORTAR Cincinnati

A nonprofit organization

$100 raised by 1 donor

0% complete

$100,000 Goal

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF SUPPORTING BLACK-OWNED BUSINESSES!

Founded in 2014, MORTAR works to develop equitable communities by enabling historically marginalized entrepreneurs to access the resources needed to start and run successful businesses.

MORTAR was established in Cincinnati, Ohio, after recognizing that though our city appears to be diverse on paper, it wasn’t mirrored in our small business ecosystem. While Cincinnati is approximately 40% Black, Black business ownership continues to hover at only 18%. We created MORTAR to disrupt that trend.

OUR VISION is to see historically marginalized entrepreneurs are equipped to build businesses, contribute to community ownership, and create intergenerational transfers of wealth that leave legacies for generations to come.

MORTAR’s programs have woven themselves into the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Cincinnati, playing a pivotal role in bridging the gaps to entrepreneurial access and success. Through education, networking, advocacy, and financial support, our programs provide entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed. We offer underestimated entrepreneurs the opportunity to use their inherent talents to not only make a dollar but to create stronger families, communities, and a more vibrant region.

OUR NETWORK includes nearly 900 entrepreneurs across 11 cities, including 469 local businesses in Cincinnati.

We believe our approach has helped turn the tide for Black business owners in our region. MORTAR champions Black entrepreneurs who collectively contribute over $2.1 billion to the local economy. By providing program support and spaces tailored to their needs, we empower business owners to flourish and improve the lives of their loved ones and their community through economic opportunity. 87% of MORTAR’s program participants are Black, including 67% Black women, whose success lights the way for others.

We’re replicating MORTAR programs in cities experiencing a gap in entrepreneur training and support for Black entrepreneurs in 11 cities across the country with nearly 900 businesses representing our national network. We’ve put nearly ONE MILLION dollars directly into the hands of our Alumni through the Iron Chest Fund, we activate vacant storefronts through our BRICK program, giving entrepreneurs space to test out their ideas with real customers, and we continue to build capacity and advocate for our small business owners in every room we enter.