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]

Core Insights - Walmart is enhancing support for American-made products through its "Grow With US" initiative, aimed at assisting U.S. small business owners with training, mentorship, and resources for success [1][2] - The initiative includes a four-step program providing financial assistance, e-learning modules, product showcasing opportunities, and mentorship connections [2] - Over two-thirds of Walmart's total product spend in fiscal year 2024 was on items grown, made, or assembled in America, highlighting the importance of small businesses as they account for over 60% of Walmart's U.S. suppliers [5][11] Group 1 - "Grow With US" initiative is part of Walmart's expanding commitment to small business development [2] - The program aligns with similar initiatives in other countries, such as Vriddhi in India and Crece con Walmart in Mexico [4] - Walmart aims to simplify the process for small businesses to collaborate with them, acknowledging the complexities involved [7] Group 2 - Applications for Walmart's annual Open Call event, allowing U.S. businesses to pitch American-made products, will open on June 24, with the event scheduled for October [8] - The announcement follows the opening of Milo's Tea Company's new $200 million manufacturing facility in Spartanburg, South Carolina, supported by Walmart [10] - Walmart emphasizes the role of small businesses as the backbone of communities, citing success stories like that of Milo's Tea [11]