Brian is a Cincinnati native, graduate of our first class and Pitch Night winner. He has been a longtime brewer and is currently preparing for the opening of 'Esoteric Brewery', Cincinnati's first minority-owned brewery.

Means is an OTR native and graduate of our first class. His company, 'BlaCk OWned' has garnered nationwide attention and was named, 'Male Fashion Brand of the Year' by the Igrushi Black Excellence Gala. He recently celebrated the opening of his second business, 'BlaCk Coffee'.

MORTAR helped this 2018 'Food Truck of the Year' awardee secure a loan. Since then she has opened her first brick and mortar establishment and won the 2018 SBA Ohio 'Small Business of the Year' award for her business, 'Sweets & Meats BBQ'.