Bounce Innovation Hub, GAR Foundation, Burton D. Morgan Foundation, the City of Akron and the Greater Akron Chamber announced today their partnership with MORTAR, an accelerator and business development service for historically marginalized entrepreneurs.
MORTAR was founded in 2014 in Cincinnati and is a 15-week program that helps both existing and aspiring entrepreneurs learn the fundamental elements of business ownership and build a comprehensive business canvas.
A primary goal of the program is to launch businesses that contribute to local economic development and establish a path to generational sustainability and wealth. It has been credited by Essence Magazine with helping Cincinnati become the fastest-growing economic power in the Midwest for minority small business owners.
Applications open Feb. 4, and the program starts in early April (bouncehub.org/apply-to-mortar). The cost is $295 for the entire 15 weeks with an 18-month alumni program to follow. Payment plans are available if participants are unable to pay the entire balance at once. The program will be headquartered at and facilitated by the Bounce staff, led by Ace Epps, director of inclusive entrepreneurship. The official name is MORTAR at Bounce, and it is the second track of Bounce’s GROW program.