MORTAR
Corey James serves as the Chief Equity, Outreach, and Initiatives Officer at JumpStart Inc., leading efforts to promote equity, outreach, and strategic initiatives for economic development in Ohio. Corey also fulfills the role of Program Facilitator at MORTAR, focusing on empowering historically marginalized entrepreneurs. At the Marcus Graham Project, Corey works on Strategic Partnerships to nurture the next generation of talent in the media and marketing sectors. As President of James Consulting Company, Corey specializes in business development, creative strategy, and corporate entertainment consulting. Previous experience includes positions at the Cleveland Cavaliers, where Corey held various titles related to diversity, inclusion, and corporate partnerships, alongside roles focused on business development and sales. Corey's early career includes an internship with The Walt Disney Company, where high guest satisfaction was maintained. Corey holds a BA in Marketing from The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business.
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MORTAR
Honestly, it can be very difficult for urban entrepreneurs to start or maintain existing businesses – especially without an existing business background or access to resources. In areas like Over-The-Rhine, the development moves so quickly that it may feel like catching up – or keeping up is an impossible goal. Our plan is to implement a ten-week business course designed to help low-income urban entrepreneurs build or expand their dream businesses, giving them the tools to help them grow with their neighborhoods. The curriculum we are using has been proven and pioneered by LAUNCH Chattanooga targeting a similar demographic. We believe that Cincinnati is definitely ready for a program like MORTAR that will lead to improved quality of life, business ownership, job creation and a flourishing local economy. While Over-The-Rhine is definitely our epicenter, we believe that the MORTAR program will have a ripple effect in surrounding areas, becoming a magnet that draws in entrepreneurial students from all around Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, therefore having an even broader reach and impact. Through education, guidance and mentorship, we will be able to effectively challenge the perceptions of how entrepreneurs are built and what their legacies will become.