Core Insights - The Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest by TechTown is an annual small business competition offering $100,000 in startup funding and support services to entrepreneurs aiming to establish brick-and-mortar stores in Detroit, Hamtramck, or Highland Park [1][2][3] Contest Details - Applications for the contest are open until February 27, 2026, and are available on HatchDetroit.com [2][15] - The competition includes public voting rounds to select the Top 4 finalists, culminating in a live presentation event called the Hatch Off on May 13, 2026 [4][5] Financial Commitment - Comerica Bank and the Comerica Charitable Foundation have committed $200,000 to the Hatch Detroit program for the second consecutive year, in addition to providing in-kind support [7][10] - Since 2012, Comerica has contributed over $1.5 million to the Hatch Detroit initiative [11] Impact on Local Economy - The Hatch Detroit Contest has successfully helped create numerous small businesses, employing over 500 people and generating more than $12 million in investments [14][17] - TechTown has supported 7,000 companies, resulting in the creation of over 3,000 jobs and raising more than $480 million in startup and growth capital since 2007 [16] Historical Context - The contest has been running since 2011 and has produced notable winners such as Walter Pat's Bakery Cafe and other successful small businesses [13][14]