Mortar Cincinnati

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Mortar Cincinnati

Building Businesses, Transforming Cities. We believe that entrepreneurship can change lives. When people have ownership in an area, they also have pride.

When neighborhoods are growing, a lot of planning goes into renovating historic buildings and creating magnificent green spaces that look awesome in the background of social media selfies – while little attention is paid to the existing residents of these now flourishing areas. In the same way that these locations have the potential to become booming communities, the neighborhood’s residents have

the potential to create booming enterprises – just footsteps from their homes. With Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine neighborhood rapidly transitioning into one of the most promising neighborhoods in America, MORTAR fulfills its purpose by building on this success by focusing on those who are often ignored. By targeting underserved communities, we’re offering these non-traditional entrepreneurs the opportunity to use their inherent talents to not just make a dollar, but to positively participate in the rise of Over-the-Rhine and surrounding areas. This pride then manifests itself in the way that the residents become involved in their neighborhoods, and the building of local economies.

05/14/2026

12 years of MORTAR. 12 years of dreaming bigger, building boldly, and growing alongside this incredible community.

From our earliest days to today, this collage holds just a small glimpse of the people, moments, programs, pop-ups, partnerships, and entrepreneurs that have shaped who we are.

As we celebrate this milestone, we’re feeling especially grateful for everyone who has been part of the journey, whether you’ve been here since year one or just joined us recently.

Here’s to the memories, the mission, and everything still ahead. Happy and happy 12 years of MORTAR. ❤️

05/13/2026

We’re bringing our network together for an evening of collaboration, connection, and community. Join us for the Emerge Economic Development Happy Hour hosted in collaboration with the African American Chamber of Commerce!⁠
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Thursday, May 28 | 5–7 PM⁠
📍 Son & Garden⁠
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We’re excited to gather with strategic partners, community leaders, and supporters for an evening of networking, collaboration, and meaningful connection as we continue building momentum for 2026.⁠
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Register here: https://members.theaachamber.com/events/details/aacc-presents-emerge-economic-development-happy-hour

05/12/2026

Since 2018, Christine Luken has been a part of MORTAR's story, as a donor, a volunteer, and an author empowering our entrepreneurs to rethink their relationship with money. Now, her impact is part of our building too. ⁠
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Her BRICK is a permanent reminder of what it looks like to invest in community. Want to leave your mark? Learn more about MORTAR's BRICK Campaign: https://polarengraving.com/mortarcincinnati

05/08/2026

As we approach Mother’s Day, our Chief of Staff Shannon Hooten opened this month’s newsletter with a reflection on motherhood, generational strength, and the women who shape us long before we realize it. 💐⁠
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If you missed this month’s newsletter, sign up to stay connected with stories, updates, and everything happening at MORTAR: https://share.hsforms.com/1qQWPCVnkSxGV7_RG-Hsz0wdfwai?utm_campaign=feed&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=later-linkinbio

05/06/2026

SAVE THE DATE: October 10 🗓️⁠
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MORTAR Homecoming Vol. 4 is officially on the books! We’re taking over Five Points Alley for a day of Food, Music, Vendors, and Culture. ⁠
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More details coming soon, but make sure you mark those calendars! 🧱✨

05/04/2026

Still feeling grateful after last week’s Awards!

MORTAR was named a finalist for the Regional Impact Award, and while we didn’t bring it home, the recognition is something we don’t take lightly.

Shoutout to Allen for representing us in the room and to StartupCincy for the nomination. And congratulations to on the win and all of our fellow nominees! We’re proud to be in community with organizations moving our city forward.

05/01/2026

Academy starts here! ⁠
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Orientation is where entrepreneurs step into community, get clear on their vision, and start building with intention. Over the next few weeks, we’re bringing you along for the journey, sharing what it really looks like to grow a business inside MORTAR. Because this work doesn’t happen alone.⁠
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If you believe in supporting entrepreneurs as they build what’s next, you can be part of it. Give today to support MORTAR: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/mortar-cincinnati/building-the-future-one-entrepreneur-at-a-time

04/24/2026

MORTAR book club moment 📚⁠
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Our team is currently reading Less Is Liberation by Christine Platt and let’s just say… we’re all rethinking what we actually NEED to be carrying.⁠
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A reminder that sustainability > survival mode. We’re not here to carry everything; we’re learning to be intentional about what we put down so we can focus on what actually moves us (and our community) forward.⁠
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Just a little behind-the-scenes of how we’re trying to work smarter and lighter here at MORTAR.

04/21/2026

🤳🏾📸✨Hey! Let’s take a selfie!

We’re so excited that is back in action. Check out the magical moments from the grand opening where we explore brand new photo booths and catch up with MORTAR Pitch Night winner (and the owner of Selfie Cincy), Amari Samya!

04/20/2026

Columbus, we see you 👀⁠
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Last week, MORTAR Columbus kicked off their 4th Cohort, continuing to grow in a city known for innovation and opportunity.⁠
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Through our partnership with ECDI, the MORTAR Entrepreneurship Academy is helping local founders start, scale, and build lasting impact, adding to the legacy of Black-owned businesses in Columbus.⁠
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We can’t wait to see what this cohort creates.⁠
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Interested in learning more about our Columbus program? Check out our website: https://wearemortar.com/columbus/

04/15/2026

Cash flow = the heartbeat of your business 💸⁠
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Join us on Monday, April 27 for our next Financial Resilience Workshop with Fifth Third Bank:⁠
Cash Flow Confidence: Keep Your Business Moving⁠
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⏰ 6:30–8:00 PM⁠
📍 The MORTAR Building or Virtual⁠
🎟️ FREE & open to the public⁠
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In this hands-on session, we’re breaking it down in a real way:⁠
• How money actually flows through your business⁠
• Simple ways to track it (without the overwhelm)⁠
• Using cash flow statements to make smarter decisions⁠
• Managing costs + navigating slow seasons⁠
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Think practical, approachable, and designed to help you feel more confident and in control of your finances.⁠
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Save your spot: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mortar-financial-resilience-workshop-series-tickets-1974994932007?aff=oddtdtcreator

Address

2453 Gilbert Avenue, OH 46206
Cincinnati, OH
45206

Telephone

(513) 888-4769

Website

http://www.weareMORTAR.com/

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