Since 2011, Hatch Detroit has helped Detroiters support up-and-coming entrepreneurs, and the Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest by TechTown is an innovative contest that asks the community to decide the winner by voting for the business they want to see open in the city.
Once again this year, the grand prize winner will receive $100,000 courtesy of Comerica Bank to help open their doors. To further assist entrepreneurs and spur small business growth, the Top 10 finalists receive free consulting and in-kind services from TechTown Detroit.
Whether applying as a business owner or voting for a favorite business idea, your participation will help shape the future of Detroit.
So how does this work?
We start with the steadfast belief that independent small businesses create the character and personality of city neighborhoods.
The Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest by TechTown is a retail competition that gives savvy entrepreneurs the chance to win a cash grant and package of in-kind services to open up their brick-and-mortar storefront in Detroit, Hamtramck or Highland Park.
The storefront is key.
TechTown supports businesses that will revitalize commercial retail corridors, activate vacant spaces and spur further investment into the community.
This contest was built on the idea of crowd entrepreneurship — giving community members a role in the city’s redevelopment.
How does that work? The public votes.
Detroit, it’s up to you to help decide which business will become the next neighborhood treasure. More information will be provided soon on HatchDetroit.com about how and when to cast your vote.
So who can apply?
The Hatch Detroit program focuses on opening new independent brick-and-mortar retail businesses. This means no food trucks, unless it’s moving into a brick-and-mortar location, and no franchise stores.
We also accept social entrepreneurs, nonprofits and L3C’s, as long as there is a focused and strong retail component. In terms of retail, this can run the whole gamut of exchanging goods and services with customers being able to make a purchase or receive services onsite: a record shop, a bodega, a yoga studio, a children’s toy store, a restaurant.
We look for businesses that are viable and sustainable. We look for businesses that will fill a retail gap currently existing in the city. We want to hear how your business will engage and positively impact the surrounding community.
When you fill out your application, be clear and concise about your vision, and let us know what sets you apart from all of the other applicants.
Remember too, your business can benefit even if you don’t win.
One major benefit of the contest is that if your business places into the Top 10, your name is in front of thousands of potential customers, not to mention potential funders. You’ll also be welcomed into our Hatch Detroit alumni network, which offers technical support and the opportunity for additional spot grant funding.
Beyond the Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest, Hatch Detroit also provides funding, exposure and mentoring in support of its alumni entrepreneurs. Every business that makes it into the Top 10 is considered a Hatch alum and will go on to receive in-kind support and technical assistance from TechTown Detroit.
Over the years, Hatch Detroit alumni have opened 50 businesses which employ more than 500 people and have invested more than $13 million in their businesses.
Interested entrepreneurs should visit HatchDetroit.com for more information on key contest date and information about the application process. The 2025 Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest by TechTown launches March 3, and every year we are excited to see what Detroit comes up with. It’s incredible to see the passion and creativity combined with an unwavering entrepreneurial spirit.
Christianne Malone serves as the Chief Program Officer at TechTown and the Assistant Vice President, Economic Development at Wayne State University. A native Detroiter, she brings over 15 years of small business and community development work to her roles, including leading transformational initiatives at the Detroit Regional Chamber, Ponyride, and Build Institute.
TechTown Detroit, Wayne State University’s entrepreneurship hub, is a nonprofit business service organization that provides programs, education and resources for early- to growth-stage small businesses and tech entrepreneurs.
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