MORTAR
William Thomas II is a seasoned entrepreneur and community leader with a robust background in organizational leadership and civic engagement. As a co-founder of Cincy Nice since October 2019, and a co-founder and board member of MORTAR since 2014, William actively contributes to local economic development initiatives. Prior experience includes co-founding BLOOM Africa and serving as a community engagement director for Cincinnati Preschool Promise. William's earlier roles include project manager at StriveTogether and implementation coordinator at KnowledgeWorks, as well as serving as a White House associate and field organizer during pivotal campaigns. William holds a Bachelor of Arts in Management and Spanish from Wittenberg University.
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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.