About Hatch Bloomington

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.

• Bloomington MN Travel and Tourism

• Bloomington Port Authority

• Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines

• Stearns Bank

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.

Hatch Bloomington quick facts

The figures below summarize application activity, engagement, and media coverage during the contest’s first two years (2024 – 2025).

Applications in first two years
xxx unique applications.
xxx accepted for consideration.

Media and social coverage
291 online and print mentions.
23 television mentions.
79 social mentions.
27 radio mentions.

Audience size and publicity value
Online and print: 578 million ($5.39M).
Television: 714,000 ($120,000).
Social: 1.83 million ($17,000).
Radio: 1.19 million ($3,100).

Media and publicity data obtained through Critical Mention (media monitoring platform) in December 2025.

Contest information