Akron, OH Wednesday, July 30, 2025 — Bounce Innovation Hub (Bounce) and Akron Urban League (AUL) announce the transition of the MORTAR Entrepreneurship Academy (MORTAR) program from Bounce to AUL, a move that further strengthens the collaborative relationship between the two organizations and reflects a shared commitment to streamlining and aligning resources across the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
MORTAR is a nationally recognized entrepreneurship program built in Cincinnati, Ohio designed to support underrepresented entrepreneurs and small business owners as they build and grow their companies. Since bringing the program to Akron in 2020 with the support of the City of Akron, Burton D. Morgan Foundation, and GAR Foundation, Bounce has hosted 12 MORTAR cohorts and 150 entrepreneurs through the cohort-based training, mentorship, and community support.
With this transition, AUL will take the lead in delivering MORTAR as part of its suite of Entrepreneur Empowerment Center programs. This shift allows both organizations to focus on their core strengths while ensuring continuity and expanded access to services for historically underserved entrepreneurs.
“We’re excited to continue the important work of the MORTAR program and honored to carry forward the legacy Bounce Innovation Hub has built with the program,” said John Williams, President and CEO of the Akron Urban League. “We value our continued partnership with Bounce, which enables us to provide comprehensive support by leveraging the unique strengths of both organizations. This transition aligns seamlessly with the Akron Urban League’s mission to empower entrepreneurs through access to high-quality training, personalized coaching, and meaningful opportunities. We look forward to welcoming new cohorts, reconnecting with alumni, and helping more small business owners realize their full potential. We are especially grateful to the Burton D. Morgan Foundation, whose investment has been foundational to the MORTAR program in Akron since its launch and remains critical to empowering entrepreneurs and expanding opportunity across our community.”
Bounce Innovation Hub CEO Jessica Sublett added, “It’s been an incredible honor to bring the MORTAR program to Akron and to help lay the foundation for so many entrepreneurs in our community. Watching the growth and success of our graduates has been one of the most rewarding parts of our work. We’re thrilled that Akron Urban League will take the reins and infuse the program with fresh energy and perspective. Their leadership and deep-rooted connections will help MORTAR continue to thrive and expand its impact.”
This transition reflects a natural evolution in how both organizations serve the community and represents a model for how nonprofits can collaborate to avoid duplication, share resources, and drive greater collective impact.
The next MORTAR cohort will be hosted by Akron Urban League starting in January 2026. Applications for the program open August 4, 2025, and will remain open until December 12, 2025. For more information about the program or to apply, visit Akron Mortar or contact the Akron Urban League’s Entrepreneur Empowerment Center at 234-542-4173.
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About Akron Urban League
Celebrating 100 years of service, the Akron Urban League (AUL) is a leading force for equity, economic empowerment, and social justice in Summit County. As a nonprofit civil rights organization, AUL delivers impactful programs in education, workforce development, and entrepreneurship that help individuals and families thrive. With a century-long legacy and an unwavering commitment to inclusive economic development, the Akron Urban League continues to serve as a catalyst for opportunity, advancement, and lasting change throughout Greater Akron.
The Akron Urban League is located at 440 Vernon Odom Blvd., Akron, OH 44307. Visit www.akronurbanleague.org to learn more.
About Bounce Innovation Hub
Bounce Innovation Hub is Northeast Ohio’s center for innovation, entrepreneurship, and business growth. Located in downtown Akron, Bounce operates a 300,000-square-foot facility that includes coworking, office, lab, and light manufacturing space, as well as event and meeting venues. As a nonprofit, Bounce supports a diverse community of startups, small businesses, and entrepreneurs through high-impact programs, mentorship, and partnerships. Bounce specializes in accelerating high-growth potential innovations, particularly in software, healthcare, and advanced materials, by providing hands-on support, customized resources, and access to capital and customers. With more than 450 people and 50 organizations housed in the building, Bounce fosters collaboration, creativity, and inclusive economic development across the region.