Alloy Growth Lab is proud to announce the celebration of the 400th session of Morning Mentoring℠, a flagship entrepreneurial coaching program. Since its inception in 2004 as Sounding Board, the program has been a cornerstone for fostering entrepreneurial success in Greater Cincinnati. This milestone underscores nearly two decades of collaboration, mentorship, and transformative impact, thanks in part to our valued partner, Queen City Angels (QCA).
The vision for Morning Mentoring was brought to life by Jim Cunningham, a lifelong mentor and friend of Alloy Growth Lab, who reimagined the Sounding Board program into something more personalized. With the integration of Queen City Angels, Jim created a hands-on experience that leveraged QCA’s network of seasoned entrepreneurs, investors, and business professionals. Scott Jacobs, QCA’s Executive Director, recalls, “Morning Mentoring provided me with my first exposure to both QCA and Alloy Growth Lab long before I became its Executive Director.”
Today, Morning Mentoring pairs startups and young businesses with experienced professionals across industries such as finance, marketing, and operations. The program’s mission is to break down barriers, provide actionable insights, and foster business growth—all in a confidential and supportive environment.
“Morning Mentoring was one of the first collaborative tools in Greater Cincinnati that truly moved the needle for local entrepreneurs. It has been a bedrock program for so many companies, offering unmatched mentoring and next-step processes,” said Antony Seppi, Vice President of Alloy Growth Lab.
The program’s unique approach allows entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas in a low-pressure setting, receiving constructive feedback from mentors, including QCA members. This invaluable support helps refine business strategies and bring clarity to critical challenges. “I was really impressed with how many individual QCA members were there to lend their support and expertise,” shared Alec Cheung, Co-Founder of Joot and a past Morning Mentoring participant.
Highlighting the program’s collaborative spirit, Jeremy Fritzhand, Director of Startup Services at Alloy Growth Lab, stated, “Morning Mentoring’s success lies in the brilliant minds who gather each week—seasoned entrepreneurs and industry veterans who freely share their wisdom to help startups thrive. This dedication has created an unmatched environment of collaborative innovation”
The 400th session is not just a celebration of the past but a commitment to the future. Morning Mentoring remains dedicated to empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs, fostering innovation, and strengthening the regional startup ecosystem.
To learn more about Alloy’s Morning Mentoring or to participate in the program, visit https://alloydev.org/growth-lab/morning-mentoring/.
About Alloy Growth Lab Alloy Growth Lab accelerates business growth by providing entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses with the tools and support needed to thrive. Morning Mentoring is just one example of our commitment to innovation and economic development in Greater Cincinnati.
About Queen City Angels Queen City Angels is a group of experienced investors, entrepreneurs, and mentors dedicated to fostering the growth of startups through investment, education, and mentorship. QCA has been a proud partner of Morning Mentoring since its inception, contributing to the program’s success and longevity.
