Hatch Bloomington is a business grant competition established in 2024 to support local entrepreneurs interested in launching their retail enterprise in Bloomington, MN. This program can count many accomplishments during the first two years:
2024 winner Scramblin’ Egg opened a storefront to widespread commercial success
2025 winner BookMother is preparing for a much-anticipated grand opening in June 2026
dozens of entrepreneurs and their start-ups supported as they move through the business lifecycle
But market conditions in 2026 have introduced significant and broad economic pressure on the Minnesota small business community, exposing the Bloomington ecosystem to additional financial strain.
As a result, the Hatch Bloomington program adapted to meet the need in this moment.
The 2026 Hatch Bloomington program has been redesigned to support local businesses who are facing challenges or seeking to grow in our community. Instead of awarding $100,000 in financial assistance to one entrepreneur, as has been done in previous program years, Hatch will now offer multiple existing Bloomington-based, brick-and-mortar retail businesses a portion of that same award.
The underlying goal of the Hatch Bloomington program, to strengthen our small business ecosystem, has not changed. But in 2026 this means supporting the enterprises already serving our community and employing Bloomington residents.
2026 Hatch Judge Panel
Judges are chosen for their expertise in business and entrepreneurship, their deep understanding of the Bloomington business community, and their ability to provide diverse, informed perspectives that help identify ideas with the greatest potential for local impact.
Bonnie Carlson
Lona Dallessandro
Joe Fittante
Billy Mzenga
Shawn Nelson
Antonelli Lindsay
Clint Roberts
Public Engagement
The figures below summarize application activity, engagement, and media coverage during the contest’s first two years (2024 – 2025).
Number of competition participants
178 individual entrepreneurs began the application, with 94 accepted for consideration
Community engagement
17,715 total community votes cast during Top 10 and Top 3 pitch rounds
Total number of media publications mentioning Hatch
425 articles or news segments
Estimated viewership
247 million estimated reach
Estimated earned media
$11.5 million
Media and publicity data obtained through Critical Mention (media monitoring platform) in December 2025.
About the 2024 and 2025 Hatch Bloomington Programs
Hatch Bloomington is a retail pitch competition located in the City of Bloomington that gives ambitious entrepreneurs the opportunity to win a $100,000 financial assistance award, significant exposure, and a robust business network to tap into.
The award will help support the growth of the small business community in Bloomington. Community voting in the final two rounds will help ensure the winning idea reflects local needs and interests.
Funding and Oversight
The City of Bloomington was grateful to the following organizations for their contributions to Hatch Bloomington 2025’s $100,000 financial award.
Guided by state statute, Bloomington may use some general fund monies each year to nurture its small business community and to position the city as an attractive location for outside investment and economic activity.
When a winner has been selected, the City of Bloomington’s Port Authority will provide fiduciary oversight while working with the recipient to launch their business.
2025 Official Rules
2024 winner Scramblin’ Egg grand opening, June 2025