Small-business owners wanted!

The 2026 Hatch Bloomington program is open to existing small-business owners in the City of Bloomington who are facing challenges or seeking to grow their operations.

Closed

The 2026 application portal closed on July 6th. We are now reviewing submissions

Timeline

June 10th:

July 6th:

July 7th-20th:

July 22nd:

July 29th:

August 5th:

application portal opens

application portal closes

Judge Panel application review period

public announcement of the Hatch Bloomington 2026 Top 10 Finalists

Top 10 Pitch Event, 6:00PM at Bloomington Civic Plaza

Hatch Bloomington 2026 Winner(s) announced

Eligibility

  • An employer of 50 or less full-time equivalent (FTE) employees as of March 1st, 2026.

  • Locally owned and operated for-profit business with a physical, brick-and-mortar establishment in the City of Bloomington.

    • Active and in good standing with the Minnesota Secretary of State.

    • Licensed (if required), in good standing, and not delinquent on property taxes or other obligations

      • Rent/mortgage payments not included

    • Engaged in direct sales and/or services at a brick-and-mortar location.

    • In revenue operations for at least three months prior to January 1st, 2026, with annual revenue of at least $25,000.

    • Online-only, food trucks, and home-based businesses; those without a physical establishment.

    • Non-profit organizations.

    • Corporate chains, multi-state chains, franchises (unless proof of local ownership).

    • Businesses that primarily derive income from:

      • passive investments; real estate transactions; property rentals or property management; billboards

      • lobbying

Application Components

  • Applicant / Owner Information

    • First / last name

    • Resident of Bloomington?

    • Email

    • Phone

    Business Information

    • Legal name of business

    • Business address

    • Business phone number

    • Business email

    • Website (optional)

    • Social media accounts (optional)

    • Year business established

    • Business Federal EIN/Taxpayer ID

    1. Describe your business strategy and operations. (300-400 words)

    2. Tell us about the specific funding need and why it is important at this time. (300-400 words)

    3. How would this funding impact the stability and growth of your business? (300-400 words)

    4. What impact does your business have on the Bloomington community? (300-400 words)

  • Optional details on the business owners age, gender, race/ethnicity, and geographic location within the City of Bloomington.

Selection Criteria

  • Strategy

    • Does the business owner have a solid business plan, formal or informal, guiding their strategy?

    Documentation

    • Is the business owner able to show the necessary record keeping for timely and accurate financial statements?

    Leadership

    • Does the business owner demonstrate relevant experience and qualified industry knowledge?

    • Does the business owner convey passion for their enterprise and the customer base?

  • Need

    • Is there an articulated and compelling need for funds tied to a specific purpose (equipment, expansion, payroll, inventory, etc.)?

    • Is there a compelling narrative?

    Stability / Growth Potential

    • Is the business owner able to demonstrate how the funding will stabilize operations and/or help scale or improve the business?

    Job Retention / Creation

    • Will the business be able to retain and/or grow their workforce because of the funding?

    Community Impact

    • Is there a demonstrated, meaningful current and/or future impact to the Bloomington community?

Please contact hatch@bloomingtonmn.gov with any questions you may have.