Release Date: September 22,2020

MORTAR Program in Full Swing at Bounce Innovation Hub

Akron, OHIO (Sept. 22, 2020) — Bounce Innovation Hub selected 15 small businesses for the second MORTAR at Bounce cohort. MORTAR at Bounce is an accelerator and business development program for existing and emerging entrepreneurs in a non-technology field, with a focus on minorities and women.

The program is funded and presented in partnership with GAR Foundation; Burton D. Morgan Foundation; the City of Akron and Rubber City Match; and the Greater Akron Chamber.

Participants are enrolled in a 15-week program to learn the fundamental elements of business ownership and build a comprehensive business canvas. The program began on Aug. 18. Participants can choose to meet in person at Bounce, or virtually.

MORTAR at Bounce engages small businesses that can help boost the economy in underserved and redeveloping communities—giving entrepreneurs the opportunity to use their talents to positively participate in the rise of Northeast Ohio.

Fall 2020 MORTAR Cohort 2:

Anne Adelman, Disco Mocktail Lounge*

John-Cameron Blakey, Cameron Blakey Art*

Monique Clark, Kurvology

Loretta and Terrance Clayton, Clayton's Laundry Services*

Dominic Falcione, GloLyte Lamps

Liksha Hoskins, 2 Daughters Tea Company*

Jasmine Hunt, Hunts Family Cleaning, Inc.

Julie Katz, The Extra Daughter

Anjua Maximo, AtoZ Group LLC

Daniel Olszewski, Hype Space LLC

Carlotta Pace, I Was Here

Aaron Sparks, MXOLOGY 21 Cocktail Co.

Robert Thomas, Piece of the Pi

Denny Wilson, Wilson Empowerment Ltd.

Kara Wilson, Phoenix Financial Services

Matthew Zeiner, Kenmore Brew Works*

*Indicates Rubber City Match participant

Life’s a Pitch!

Join Bounce for the Life’s a Pitch! MORTAR Pitch Competition on Sept. 22. This is a virtual event taking place on Facebook Live, starting at 6 p.m. Seven finalists are competing for a $3,000 prize. This is the culmination of their 15-week program. For more information: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lifes-a-pitch-tickets-120245129419

Finalists are:

Tiffany Adjei, Honesty Healthcare LLC

Tonya Green, Juliabelle's Seasonings, Rubs & Mixes

Telayne Keith, Sinclair Creative Events

Sekoya Kendrick, 1474ArtInc

Janelle Scott, All Better Care

Dannika Stevenson, sip.savor.soul

Jennifer Tidwell, Jenuine Cuisines Culinary Services

Applications for Winter 2021 Open Oct. 1

Bounce is gearing up for the Winter 2021 Cohort 3 starting mid-January. Applications will open on Oct. 1; deadline to apply is Oct. 31. Visit www.bouncehub.org/mortar for more information.

For more information on MORTAR at Bounce, please visit bouncehub.org/mortar.