$100,000 Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest by TechTown Returns with Increased Support from Comerica Bank

Core Points - The Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest is returning for its 13th year, offering $100,000 in startup funding and support services to entrepreneurs looking to establish brick-and-mortar businesses in Detroit, Hamtramck, or Highland Park [1][2] - Applications for the 2025 competition opened on March 3 and will close on April 4, with information sessions scheduled for the week of March 17 [2][3] - The contest includes public voting rounds to select the Top 10 and Top 4 entrepreneurs, culminating in the Hatch Off event on June 11 where the winner will be announced [4] Financial Support - Comerica Bank and the Comerica Charitable Foundation have increased their financial commitment to the Hatch Detroit program to a total of $200,000 for this year, marking a $50,000 increase from previous years [6][8] - Since 2012, Comerica Bank and the Comerica Charitable Foundation have collectively contributed over $1.3 million to the Hatch Detroit program [10] Impact on Small Business Community - The Hatch Detroit Contest has successfully helped create over 50 businesses, employing more than 500 individuals and investing over $10 million in economic development [20] - TechTown Detroit, which integrates the Hatch Detroit program, has supported over 6,090 companies since 2007, resulting in the creation of 2,277 jobs and raising more than $406 million in startup and growth capital [19] Historical Context - The Hatch Detroit program was founded in 2011 and became part of TechTown's suite of entrepreneurial services in 2022, aimed at fostering neighborhood retail development [20] - Notable past winners include G.L.A.M. Body Scrubs (2024), Bouncing Around The Motor City (2023), and Sister Pie (2014), showcasing the program's role in nurturing successful businesses [14][16]