Entrepreneurs in Bloomington, get ready to pitch your next big idea. "Hatch Bloomington," the city's business pitch contest is back, offering a hefty $100,000 boost to one winner with a transformative business concept. According to an announcement made during Bloomington's State of the City 2025 event, the competition aims to inject energy and innovation into the local economy while nurturing small businesses.
The support for the entrepreneurial spirit comes from a collaboration between the City of Bloomington, Bloomington Minnesota Travel & Tourism, and the Minneapolis Regional Chamber, these organizations have vested interests in both the short-term excitement and the long-term health of Bloomington's commercial sector. "We’re proud to bring back Hatch Bloomington to continue supporting entrepreneurs who share our vision for a thriving local economy," Bloomington Mayor Tim Busse told attendees during the announcement. With the deadline for applications set from March 31 through April 28, potential competitors have a window to outline and submit their business plans.
Hatch Bloomington isn't just about the money, it's about exposure and network-building too. Those who throw their hats into the ring stand to gain critical feedback, tools, and connections that could make a difference in a crowded marketplace. After the application phase, a panel comprising local business leaders will screen, and select 25 entrants to proceed to the pitching rounds. In these high-stakes presentations, competitors will need to convince the judges and, later, the public through a text-voting process, that their idea has the merit to be funded.
The process is rigorous; after the initial pitches, only ten entrepreneurs will advance to a second round of presentation. Here community engagement becomes key – as locals will vote via text to whittle down the competition to three finalists. These top contenders will then present once again, this time their audience will include both the judges and members of the public. "This initiative is more than a competition; it’s a platform for innovation, growth, and community engagement," emphasized Mayor Busse. The final decision comes down to a communal effort – balancing professional critique with public opinion.
Fancy your chances or just curious about the blooming possibilities? The details, application process, and eligibility requirements are all laid out on Hatch Bloomington's website. You can also keep up with the latest updates by following along on their official Facebook and Instagram accounts.
