The Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest by TechTown, the small business competition behind many of Detroit’s most popular neighborhood storefronts, is unveiling its Top 10 semifinalists. These entrepreneurs will go head-to-head over the coming weeks, competing to win $100,000 in start-up funds from Comerica Bank, a division of Fifth Third Bank, N.A., to open a brick-and-mortar storefront in Detroit, Hamtramck or Highland Park.
Public voting to narrow the 10 semifinalists to four finalists begins Wednesday, April 22 at 12 a.m. and runs through Wednesday, April 29 at 11:59 a.m. Community members can vote for their favorite businesses once per day by visiting HatchDetroit.com.
The four finalists of the 2026 Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest by TechTown will be revealed on Wednesday, April 29, with the final round of public voting beginning the same day at 5 p.m. and running through the completion of the pitch competition at the Hatch Off on Wednesday, May 13.
“We’re proud to champion these entrepreneurs and help them grow into anchors of neighborhood vitality,” said Christianne Malone, Assistant Vice President for Economic Development at Wayne State University and Chief Program Officer of TechTown Detroit. “Detroit’s small business community is shaped not just by entrepreneurs, but by the people who show up to support them every day. The Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest by TechTown reflects the shared investment in our neighborhoods, helping turn local ideas into lasting impact.”
Over the years, the Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest by TechTown has helped create some of Detroit’s most successful and well-known businesses, including winners Walter Pat’s Bakery Cafe (2025), G.L.A.M Body Scrubs (2024), Bouncing Around The Motor City (2023), Little Liberia (2022), 27th Letter Books (2019), Baobab Fare (2017), Meta Physica Massage (2016), Sister Pie (2014), Batch Brewing Company (2013) and La Feria (2012).
2026 Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest by TechTown Top 10 Semi-Finalists
Asante’s Hi-Life Library: Asante’s Hi-Life Library is an immersive cultural destination blending music, dining and community. Rooted in the African diaspora, the space brings together vinyl, live performances and globally inspired cuisine through rotating chef residencies and curated experiences.
Sugar & Soul: Sugar & Soul is a carryout restaurant offering comfort food and catering rooted in home-style cooking. Inspired by the warmth of Sunday dinners, the business serves nostalgic meals designed for families, professionals and the broader community.
Detroit Drift Social: Detroit Drift Social is an indoor entertainment venue where guests ride electric go-carts on a shared track. The space also features a lounge with games, food and drinks, celebrating Detroit’s Motor City identity through an interactive experience.
Hobby Factory: Hobby Factory is a consumer-to-creator retail hobby shop and manufacturing hub focused on digital fabrication powered by Tinker Labs. Customers can create and produce custom CAD designs, explore open-source kits and participate in workshops that support local makers and product development.
Kraftologie: Kraftologie is a creative learning space offering hands-on workshops, self-guided experiences and take-home kits. The business is designed to make art and creative exploration accessible to all skill levels.
Detroit Movie Theater: Detroit Movie Theater is an independent, community-focused cinema featuring a mix of first-run films, independent releases and classics. The venue includes multiple screens, a performance space and a curated food and beverage offering.
Flavorful Creations: Flavorful Creations is a Detroit-based bakery offering gourmet desserts, including dairy-free, gluten-free and vegan options. The business focuses on high-quality ingredients and inclusive offerings while maintaining a creative approach to baking.
TeaKit: TeaKit is a creative café and community space where guests can engage in hands-on art projects while enjoying tea and baked goods. The space is designed to be accessible, offering beginner-friendly activities without reservations.
The Laundry Lounge: The Laundry Lounge is a self-service laundromat offering modern equipment in a clean, comfortable environment. The business focuses on convenience, reliability and accessible laundry services for individuals and families.
NAVYN HOUS: NAVYN HOUS is a wellness-focused space offering short, guided relaxation sessions alongside a non-alcoholic bar, grab-and-go food and retail products. The concept is designed to provide accessible, everyday wellness experiences.
Including this year’s contributions and grants, Comerica Bank and the Comerica Charitable Foundation have collectively committed over $1.5 million into Hatch Detroit since first supporting the small business program in 2012.
2026 Hatch Off
The contest will culminate with the annual Hatch Off, where the Top 4 entrepreneurs present their business plans in front of a panel of expert judges and a live audience. The winner of the 2026 Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest will be chosen through a combination of the public’s vote and judges’ deliberations.
Tickets are now available to witness the Top 4 business pitches and see the winner of the Hatch Off crowned. The Hatch Off takes place on Wednesday, May 13, at 6:30 p.m., at the Wayne State University Industry Innovation Center at 461 Burroughs Street in Detroit. To purchase your ticket to the Hatch Off, visit HatchDetroit.com.
Stronger Together for Michigan Small Businesses
Fifth Third’s merger with Comerica strengthens the bank’s long‑standing support of Michigan’s small business community. Together, Fifth Third and Comerica bring a deeply rooted commitment to create economic opportunities and help entrepreneurs grow and thrive in Detroit and across the state.
Through Fifth Third’s ‘One Michigan Community Plan’, the bank is mobilizing capital, services, and partnerships to assist small businesses through grants and place‑based economic development initiatives delivered in collaboration with local community partners.
For the second consecutive year, Comerica Bank and the Comerica Charitable Foundation have committed $200,000 to TechTown’s Hatch Detroit program, reinforcing their ongoing support of Detroit’s small business ecosystem.
- In addition to financial backing, Comerica is providing in‑kind expertise, including technical services for contest participants.
- Since first supporting Hatch Detroit in 2012, Comerica Bank and the Comerica Charitable Foundation have invested more than $1.5 million in the program.