Overview

The Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest by TechTown is a retail competition that gives one savvy entrepreneur the chance to win a cash grant and a package of in-kind services to open their brick-and-mortar storefront in Detroit, Hamtramck, or Highland Park. The storefront is key! We’re looking to support businesses that will revitalize commercial retail corridors, activate vacant spaces, and spur further investment into the community.

We built this contest on the idea of crowd entrepreneurship—giving community members a role in the city’s redevelopment.

2026 Contest Timeline (web link)

• Jan. 14: Application Opens 
• Feb. 27: Application Closes 
• Mar. 11: Top 25 Notified 
• Mar. 25: 25 to 10 Judging Event 
• Apr. 7: Top 10 Selected 
• Apr. 21: Top 10 Event 
• Apr. 22-29: Top 10 Public Voting (online and community) 
• Apr. 29: Top 4 Announced 
• Apr. 29-May 13: Public Voting & Media Tour 
• May 13: Hatch-Off with Live Voting 

Guidelines

• Please read the Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest Rules (on this site below and the official website)
• Only those looking to open new permanent brick-and-mortar retail locations will be considered.
• Businesses with active commercial leases with cumulative or concurrent terms longer than six (6) months at the time of submission are ineligible and will not be considered. (Excluding ecosystem incubation programs or spaces such as SHOP Detroit, GrandRiver Workplace, Shipping Containers, Dexter Pop-up, etc.) 
• Residency in Detroit, Hamtramck, or Highland Park is not required, but is preferred.
• If you have previously applied and made the Top 10 semifinalist list, you may not submit again with the same business.
• You can save and return to this application if you need more time to complete it. 
• As part of the submission process, download the budget template, complete it in full, and upload the completed version. 
• If you are selected for the Top 25, you will be asked to complete a background check authorization form for yourself and each member of your team.  This will be used only if you are under consideration for a move to the Top 10. 
• Please note that your submission MUST be completed and submitted to be valid and considered.
• Please note that your submission MUST be submitted in full by 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 27, 2026.
• If you are asked to proceed to the semifinalist round, you will be required to sign a participant agreement before being able to move forward.
• Though not required, the most successful submissions include visuals and a strong understanding of media use.
• We expect that our alumni (Top 10) be engaged, active members in the communities in which they choose to do business.