DETROIT – Ten retail concepts have made the semi finals of the Hatch Detroit Contest where one will win $50,000 in cash and $200,000 in pro bono support to found a brick and mortar business in Detroit, Highland Park or Hamtramck.

Now the contest will turn to the public to cast their vote and help determine the four finalists who will go head-to-head in a Hatch Off business pitch competition Aug. 30. 

During the semi-finalists round, the public can vote for no more than four contestants up to three times per day by visiting  HatchDetroit.com/vote, Hatch Detroit’s Facebook page or voting in person at the following locations:

  • 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 11 at Sister Pie
  • 11 a.m. –  2 p.m., Monday, Aug. 13 at Campus Martius
  • 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 14 at Eastern Market Shed 2
  • 3 p.m. – 6 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 15 at La Feria
  • 4 p.m. – 8 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 16 at Grandmont Rosedale Farmers’ Market

Voting will close at midnight Aug. 16, and the four finalists will be announced Aug. 17. The final voting period will take place until noon, Aug. 24. On Aug. 30, finalists will present their business pitch to a panel of judges and an audience before the winner is announced at the ticketed Hatch Off event. Public voting and judges’ deliberation will determine the 2018 Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest winner.

The Hatch Off will begin at 6 p.m. at the M@dison building, located at 1555 Broadway in Detroit. Tickets can be purchased by clicking here.

“Detroit’s culture of entrepreneurialism continues to grow,” said Vittoria Katanski, executive director, Hatch Detroit. “We recognize that supporting small business is central to neighborhood revitalization and are thrilled to introduce these 10 retail concepts that are making their way to brick and mortar shops that will better meet the needs of Detroiters.”

The semi-finalists vying for public vote in the 2018 Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest include:

  • Barter, which aims to bring a sustainable arts venue and cocktail bar to Hamtramck, Mich. More than a bar, their model for sustainable space use will allow artists to “barter” for rehearsal space during off hours while meeting demand for music, entertainment and cocktails at night.
  • The Kitchen by Cooking with Que is Detroit’s premier demonstration kitchen and contemporary shared space. The Kitchen is a collaborative kitchen and learning environment, featuring two state-of-the-art kitchens – one for live demos and one as a shared-use rental kitchen.
  • Mature is a new men’s clothing retailer that offers a unique collection of contemporary casual clothing and modern dress wear. Their products are affordable, dynamic, and high-quality, with an exceptional fit.
  • Neighborhood Grocery is bringing fresh food back to the neighborhoods with small footprint, full line grocery stores in Detroit, targeting underserved neighborhoods that lack access to fresh foods.
  • Paradise Natural Foods is a vegan deli that works to create a community of wellness while bringing people from all walks of life together in their journey toward healthier eating.
  • SkinBar VII (seven) is Detroit’s premiere facial spa. They believe in the long-term benefits of receiving facials and skincare treatments using only high-quality ingredients from the earth and making them accessible to all.
  • Slyde’s mantra is simple, gourmet, local. The neighborhood eatery will specialize in seasonal sliders, salads, soups and po’ boys.
  • Toma Detroit will serve fresh, locally sourced simple yet sophisticated cocktails and foods from Latin America. Their tasting room will focus on Tequila and Mezcal and will educate guests about regional distillation methods and styles of Agave.
  • The Upperow is a cut and sew luxury fashion house brand that offers classy, upscale and versatile, clothing for men, women and children.
  • Warda Pâtisserie is a Detroit based pâtisserie business making sophisticated, hand-crafted pastries and bread inspired by the seasons, celebrating Michigan farmers and influenced by travels through Algeria, France and Asia.

“Comerica shares Hatch Detroit’s goal of supporting entrepreneurs, driving job growth and creating new retail business opportunities in the city,” said Monica L. Martinez, senior vice president, External Affairs at Comerica Bank. “We’re proud that the contest has helped so many entrepreneurs realize their dream of owning a business and are eager to see what the next class of alumni can accomplish. Small businesses are vital to a unique, diverse and successful city.”

Of the 70 previous competitors in the Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest, 34 have an operating business including contest winners Baobab Fare, Meta Physica Wellness Center, Live Cycle Delight, Sister Pie, Batch Brewing Company, La Feria and Hugh. Semi-finalists and finalists like Rocco’s Italian Deli, Rebel Nell, Busted! Bra Shop, Detroit Vegan Soul, The Lip Bar and more are all alumni to the contest.

“At Bedrock, we see incredibly inspiring examples of entrepreneurship every day,” said RJ Wolney, vice president of Finance at Bedrock. “Startup businesses and entrepreneurs play a key role in developing our economy and creating new jobs, and we share Hatch Detroit’s commitment to strengthening the city’s growing small business sector.”