MORTAR

The MORTAR Entrepreneurship

The MORTAR CLE program, powered by the United Black Fund of Greater Cleveland, offers a comprehensive platform designed to foster scalable businesses.

A young Black woman against a bright blue sky

UBF TRADITIONAL GRANT CYCLE
April 1-May 15

The MORTAR Entrepreneurship Academy (MORTAR CLE) is a culturally competent, hip-hop-inspired, curriculum-based program designed for individuals starting or growing their businesses. Its primary goal is to create a pipeline of entrepreneurs and businesses that are prepared to engage with large corporations and government entities in Northeast Ohio.

The MORTAR CLE program, powered by the United Black Fund of Greater Cleveland, offers essential education and a comprehensive platform designed to foster scalable businesses. This initiative facilitates meaningful collaborations and drives economic growth within the community at varying entrepreneurship education tracks – beginning, intermediate, and later stage.


MORTAR Cle Entrepreneurship Academy Application Open Enrollment: April 28 – May 30th

Apply Here


If you are not sure which program is for you, or you want to learn more, please reach out to our MORTAR CLE team at info@mortarcle.com

Visit our website to learn more about Mortar CLE at www.mortarcle.com
Which Entrepreneurship Academy Track is for You:
1. BLUEPRINT COHORT (15 weeks for early-stage entrepreneurship) $50 Enrollment Fee
     July 22-October 27 from 6-9:00 PM
2. REMIX COHORT (8-week program for later-stage entrepreneurship) $100 Enrollment Fee
      September 2-October 27* from 6-9:00 PM
3. AFTERPARTY ALUMNI PROGRAM (participation for MORTAR CLE program graduates only)
If you have any further questions or require more information, please contact Celeste Terry, Grants Manager.

MORTAR Entrepreneurship Academy

MORTAR Cle Entrepreneurship Academy Application Open Enrollment: April 28 – May 30th

Click Here to Apply


If you are not sure which program is for you, or you want to learn more.
please reach out to our MORTAR CLE team at info@mortarcle.com  

Visit our website to learn more about Mortar CLE at www.mortarcle.com

Or Attending Our Virtual Informational on Monday, May 12th from 5:30-7:00 PM

Register to Attend Here
Application Criteria
In order to be eligible for the Community Thrive Grant, the organization should fulfill the following criteria:
1. Programming to support Mental Health or Gun Violence Prevention/Intervention work.
2. The organization must have been established for at least three years and should have a proven track record.
3. The organization should provide data to support its impact.
4. The organization must serve Cuyahoga County.
5. The organization should provide a minimum of one letter of support.
6. The organization must demonstrate that funding will be utilized for 80% programming and 20% operations and/or marketing.
7. The organization must be a 501©3 or have a fiscal agent.
8. A strategic plan summary outlining the use of funds should be provided (1-page outline/summary).
9. The grant does not support one-time events, sponsorships, or fundraising campaigns.
10. Programming should have a minimum execution period of one year.
1. Programming to support Mental Health or Gun Violence Prevention/Intervention work.
2. The organization must have been established for at least three years and should have a proven track record.
3. The organization should provide data to support its impact.
4. The organization must serve Cuyahoga County.
5. The organization should provide a minimum of one letter of support.
6. The organization must demonstrate that funding will be utilized for 80% programming and 20% operations and/or marketing.
7. The organization must be a 501©3 or have a fiscal agent.
8. A strategic plan summary outlining the use of funds should be provided (1-page outline/summary).
9. The grant does not support one-time events, sponsorships, or fundraising campaigns.
10. Programming should have a minimum execution period of one year.
2024-25 Community Thrive Application Timeline:
October 1 - November 12: Application Open
Week of November 18: Application Review Process Begins
Week December 2: Short-listed Applicants Site Visit Begins
Week of December 16: Grant Award and Declination Decisions Made
Week of December 23: Grant Award Disbursements Made
Week of January 6: Photo and Formal Check Presentations

‍Dates are subject to change at the discretion of the United Black Fund of Greater Cleveland.
‍
2024-25 Community Thrive Grant Awardee Process:
1. Grantees who been awarded will receive their first grant disbursements in December .
2. The second disbursements will be made in June, but only if the grantee submits a mid-year report on or before June 15.
3. The final Report must be submitted on or before December 15.
4. 2024-25 Community Thrive Grant Awardees are not eligible to apply for UBF's traditional grant funding cycle until April of 2026.
‍
If you have any further questions or require more information, please contact Celeste Terry, Grants Manager.

FAQs:

Your curiosity nourishes our community. Here, we address your pressing inquiries, paving the way for a clearer understanding of our mission, impact, and how you can be integral to impacting Northeast Ohio.

How can I get involved?

You can get involved with United Black Fund by volunteering your time or attending our fundraising events. Further details are always provided throughout our website.

How can I apply for a grant?

To apply for a grant from United Black Fund, please fill out the grant application form on our website. And we will surely be in touch.

How can I donate?

You can donate to United Black Fund by visiting our website and clicking on the 'Donate' button. It is that easy!

What is United Black Fund?

The United Black Fund of Greater Cleveland is a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance to local service agencies in Northeast Ohio.

What is the MORTAR Entrepreneurship Academy?

The MORTAR Entrepreneurship Academy is an eight or fifteen-week course designed for individuals who are starting or growing their businesses. The program challenges participants to confront their limitations, develop their strengths, and make real decisions about their entrepreneurial journeys.

Who is eligible to apply for the program?

The program is open to individuals who are starting or expanding their businesses and are committed to working hard both inside and outside of class. Applicants should be prepared to engage in abstract thinking, data analysis, and decision-making processes related to their business ventures.

What is the structure of the program?

The Academy meets weekly for three-hour sessions over fifteen weeks for the Blueprint program and eight weeks for the Remix program. Each session typically includes introductions, discussions of gratitude and challenges, review of assignments, inspirational activities, guest speakers, video panels, group discussions, and planning reflections.

What topics are covered during the fifteen weeks? The program is divided into several phases:
Orientation: Introduction to the program and cohort.
● Weeks 1-4: Foundations: Establishing the basics of entrepreneurship.
● Weeks 5-8: The Core: Deepening understanding of business operations.
● Weeks 9-11: Really Real: Addressing real-world challenges and solutions.
● Weeks 12-15: Beyond MORTAR Entrepreneurship Academy: Preparing for post-program success.
What topics are covered during the eight weeks? The program is divided into several phases:
Orientation: Introduction to the program and cohort.
● Weeks 1-3: Foundations: Establishing the basics of entrepreneurship.
● Weeks 3-5: The Core: Deepening understanding of business operations.
● Weeks 6-8: Really Real: Addressing real-world challenges and solutions.
● Weeks 9 (Optional): Beyond MORTAR Entrepreneurship Academy: Preparing for post-program success.
What is the attendance policy?
Attendance at each class session is mandatory for selected participants. Consistent participation ensures that participants gain the full benefit of the program and contribute to the cohort's collective learning experience.
What support is provided during the program?
Participants receive culturally competent curriculum and materials, access to support provided by MORTAR coaches, opportunities to pitch ideas to potential investors, and an ongoing support system provided by MORTAR and partner organizations.
How much does the program cost?
Thanks to the support of the United Black Fund of Greater Cleveland, the cost is $50 for the 15-week program and $100 for the 8-week program. This investment provides access to all course materials, expert facilitators, mentorship, and additional business support.
How do I apply?
Scan the QR Code
Virtual Informational QR Code:
Still have questions?

Feel free to reach out to us for more information.

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