Detroit Regional Chamber > Racial Justice & Economic Equity > Entrepreneurs Seeking a Brick-And-Mortar Space in Detroit, Highland Park, or Hamtramck Encouraged to Apply to Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest 

Entrepreneurs Seeking a Brick-And-Mortar Space in Detroit, Highland Park, or Hamtramck Encouraged to Apply to Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest 

March 16, 2022
 width=Comerica Bank and Hatch Detroit announced the return of the Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest on Tuesday, March 15, along with a $100,000 donation from Comerica Bank to this year’s winner. Launched in 2012, the contest aims to promote small business economic development in Detroit and is returning for the first time since 2019.

Entrepreneurs that have a retail concept and plan to open a permanent brick-and-mortar location in Detroit, Highland Park, or Hamtramck are eligible to apply and can submit business plans through the Hatch Detroit website until Thursday, May 12. Residency in those cities is not required but preferred. Previous applicants that made the Top 10 semifinalists are not eligible to apply with the same business.

“Hatch Detroit has become a vital resource for entrepreneurs and small business incubation over the past decade,” said Mike Richie, Comerica Bank Michigan market president. “The impact Hatch Detroit has made on growing and developing opportunities throughout Detroit is leaving an indelible mark on the economic revitalization of the city. Entrepreneurs need access to both capital and technical assistance to succeed, and we believe our partnership can continue delivering a proven platform that helps launch new opportunities for business owners.”

The contest includes two rounds of public voting to find the Top 10 and Top 4 contestants. The community can vote for their favorite businesses to win the $100,000 grand prize as well as a package of accounting, legal, IT, and public relations support from Hatch Detroit and its partners.

Key dates for the contest include:

  • March 15: Submissions Begin
  • May 12: Submissions Deadline
  • June 16: Top 10 Announced
  • June 17: Voting Begins
  • June 23: Top 10 Voting Ends
  • June 24: Top 4 Announced and Voting Begins
  • June 30: Top 4 Voting Ends
  • July 21: Winner Announced at “Hatch Off”

Since the start of this neighborhood retail competition, Comerica Bank and the Comerica Charitable Foundation have contributed $660,000 in startup funding to support the contest winners, as well as direct organizational support funding to Hatch Detroit.

Learn more about the Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest and apply here.