Small business.
Big impact.

Hatch Bloomington is a $100,000 business pitch program established in 2024 to support local entrepreneurs in opening their brick-and-mortar retail business in the City of Bloomington.

The 2026 Hatch program has been redesigned to provide financial assistance for up to five existing Bloomington-based businesses. This change reflects Bloomington’s commitment to supporting local businesses and jobs during a challenging period for many small-business owners in the Metro Area. Total financial assistance administered will be $100,000.

“We know small businesses are a vital part of Bloomington’s economy and community,” said Bloomington Mayor Tim Busse. “This year, we wanted Hatch Bloomington to focus on supporting the businesses that are already here, employing our residents and serving our neighborhoods. Hatch Bloomington Loves Local is one way we can invest directly in their continued success.”

Announced by Mayor Busse on Thursday, March 12th, during the State of the City, the program will open for applications in June 2026.

Similar to the 2024 and 2025 program cycles, a panel of local business and community leaders will review applications and select 10 businesses to present in front of the Hatch Judge Panel. The judges will then identify 5 recipients for financial assistance to support stabilization, improvements and/or expansion of business operations.

Stay tuned for more information on Hatch 2026!

Learn more

• Instagram: @hatchbloomington

• Sign up for email updates here

• Bloomington supports its small businesses

Additional Business Support

Hatch Bloomington is one of several initiatives aimed at supporting local businesses. The City of Bloomington recently launched a small-business assistance grant program offering one-time grants of up to $10,000 to assist eligible storefront businesses with mortgage or rent payments as they navigate recent economic disruptions.