MORTAR Cincinnati

Since 2014, MORTAR has empowered entrepreneurs with the tools, resources, and access they need to thrive and flourish. 

Join us as we take our next revolutionary step in creating an entrepreneurial hub for small business owners in Cincinnati to test out ideas, connect, and collaborate. 

With completion set for next year, the Durner Building will serve as an entrepreneurial hub for underrepresented entrepreneurs in and around Cincinnati and become a cornerstone within the Peebles' Corner historic district. This project will truly change lives, providing space and opportunity for many aspiring entrepreneurs in the region. 

With your support, MORTAR will transform this 1912 gem into an entrepreneurial epicenter paying homage to the rich history of Walnut Hills & ushering in the next era. Together, we are Building The Dream. 

MORTAR builds diverse communities by providing Black entrepreneurs with access to the tools and resources they need to start and run a business successfully.

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 MISSION is to ensure that all entrepreneurs are equipped to build businesses, contribute to community ownership, and create intergenerational transfers of wealth that leave legacies for generations to come. 

We are working daily to create diverse communities by enabling historically marginalized entrepreneurs to access the resources needed to start and run successful businesses. 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 of over 400 entrepreneurs contributes approximately $9M to the Cincinnati economy annually. 

We believe our approach has helped turn the tide for Black business owners in our region. We’re replicating MORTAR programs in cities experiencing a gap in entrepreneur training and support for Black entrepreneurs. We've launched MORTAR programs in 10 cities across the nation. We’ve put over $930K+ directly into the hands of our Alumni through the Iron Chest Fund and we continue to build capacity and advocate for our small business owners in every room we enter. 

Join us in building the next generation of entrepreneurs in Cincinnati and beyond!

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