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Public voting will begin to determine the finalists in this year’s competition for $100,000
DETROIT (April 21, 2026) – The Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest by TechTown, the small business competition behind many of Detroit’s most popular neighborhood storefronts, is unveiling its Top 10 semifinalists. These entrepreneurs will go head-to-head over the coming weeks, competing to win $100,000 in start-up funds from Comerica Bank, a division of Fifth Third Bank, N.A., to open a brick-and-mortar storefront in Detroit, Hamtramck or Highland Park.
Public voting to narrow the 10 semifinalists to four finalists begins Wednesday, April 22 at 12 a.m. and runs through Wednesday, April 29 at 11:59 a.m. Community members can vote for their favorite businesses once per day by visiting HatchDetroit.com.
The four finalists of the 2026 Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest by TechTown will be revealed on Wednesday, April 29, with the final round of public voting beginning the same day at 5 p.m. and running through the completion of the pitch competition at the Hatch Off on Wednesday, May 13.
“We’re proud to champion these entrepreneurs and help them grow into anchors of neighborhood vitality,” said Christianne Malone, Assistant Vice President for Economic Development at Wayne State University and Chief Program Officer of TechTown Detroit. “Detroit’s small business community is shaped not just by entrepreneurs, but by the people who show up to support them every day. The Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest by TechTown reflects the shared investment in our neighborhoods, helping turn local ideas into lasting impact.”
Over the years, the Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest by TechTown has helped create some of Detroit’s most successful and well-known businesses, including winners Walter Pat’s Bakery Cafe (2025), G.L.A.M Body Scrubs (2024), Bouncing Around The Motor City (2023), Little Liberia (2022), 27th Letter Books (2019), Baobab Fare (2017), Meta Physica Massage (2016), Sister Pie (2014), Batch Brewing Company (2013) and La Feria (2012).
2026 Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest by TechTown Top 10 Semi-Finalists
Asante’s Hi-Life Library: Asante’s Hi-Life Library is an immersive cultural destination blending music, dining and community. Rooted in the African diaspora, the space brings together vinyl, live performances and globally inspired cuisine through rotating chef residencies and curated experiences.
Sugar & Soul: Sugar & Soul is a carryout restaurant offering comfort food and catering rooted in home-style cooking. Inspired by the warmth of Sunday dinners, the business serves nostalgic meals designed for families, professionals and the broader community.
Detroit Drift Social: Detroit Drift Social is an indoor entertainment venue where guests ride electric go-carts on a shared track. The space also features a lounge with games, food and drinks, celebrating Detroit’s Motor City identity through an interactive experience.
Hobby Factory: Hobby Factory is a consumer-to-creator retail hobby shop and manufacturing hub focused on digital fabrication powered by Tinker Labs. Customers can create and produce custom CAD designs, explore open-source kits and participate in workshops that support local makers and product development.
Kraftologie: Kraftologie is a creative learning space offering hands-on workshops, self-guided experiences and take-home kits. The business is designed to make art and creative exploration accessible to all skill levels.
Detroit Movie Theater: Detroit Movie Theater is an independent, community-focused cinema featuring a mix of first-run films, independent releases and classics. The venue includes multiple screens, a performance space and a curated food and beverage offering.
Flavorful Creations: Flavorful Creations is a Detroit-based bakery offering gourmet desserts, including dairy-free, gluten-free and vegan options. The business focuses on high-quality ingredients and inclusive offerings while maintaining a creative approach to baking.
TeaKit: TeaKit is a creative café and community space where guests can engage in hands-on art projects while enjoying tea and baked goods. The space is designed to be accessible, offering beginner-friendly activities without reservations.
The Laundry Lounge: The Laundry Lounge is a self-service laundromat offering modern equipment in a clean, comfortable environment. The business focuses on convenience, reliability and accessible laundry services for individuals and families.
NAVYN HOUS: NAVYN HOUS is a wellness-focused space offering short, guided relaxation sessions alongside a non-alcoholic bar, grab-and-go food and retail products. The concept is designed to provide accessible, everyday wellness experiences.
Including this year’s contributions and grants, Comerica Bank and the Comerica Charitable Foundation have collectively committed over $1.5 million into Hatch Detroit since first supporting the small business program in 2012.
2026 Hatch Off
The contest will culminate with the annual Hatch Off, where the Top 4 entrepreneurs present their business plans in front of a panel of expert judges and a live audience. The winner of the 2026 Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest will be chosen through a combination of the public’s vote and judges’ deliberations.
Tickets are now available to witness the Top 4 business pitches and see the winner of the Hatch Off crowned. The Hatch Off takes place on Wednesday, May 13, at 6:30 p.m., at the Wayne State University Industry Innovation Center at 461 Burroughs Street in Detroit. To purchase your ticket to the Hatch Off, visit HatchDetroit.com.
Stronger Together for Michigan Small Businesses
Fifth Third’s merger with Comerica strengthens the bank’s long‑standing support of Michigan’s small business community. Together, Fifth Third and Comerica bring a deeply rooted commitment to create economic opportunities and help entrepreneurs grow and thrive in Detroit and across the state.
For the second consecutive year, Comerica Bank and the Comerica Charitable Foundation have committed $200,000 to TechTown’s Hatch Detroit program, reinforcing their ongoing support of Detroit’s small business ecosystem.
About Fifth Third
Fifth Third is a bank that’s as long on innovation as it is on history. Since 1858, we’ve been helping individuals, families, businesses and communities grow through smart financial services that improve lives. Our list of firsts is extensive, and it’s one that continues to expand as we explore the intersection of tech-driven innovation, dedicated people and focused community impact. Fifth Third is one of the few U.S.-based banks to have been named among Ethisphere’s World’s Most Ethical Companies® for several years. With a commitment to taking care of our customers, employees, communities and shareholders, our goal is not only to be the nation’s highest performing regional bank, but to be the bank people most value and trust.
Fifth Third Bank, National Association is a federally chartered institution. Fifth Third Bancorp is the indirect parent company of Fifth Third Bank and its common stock is traded on the NASDAQ® Global Select Market under the symbol “FITB.” Investor information and press releases can be viewed at www.53.com. Deposit and credit products provided by Fifth Third Bank, National Association. Member FDIC.
About TechTown Detroit
Since 2007, TechTown Detroit has helped more than 8,000 companies create and sustain thousands of jobs and raise over $500 million in capital. As Wayne State University’s and Detroit’s entrepreneurship hub, TechTown is a nonprofit that connects early- to growth-stage small businesses and tech founders with programs, education, and resources that open doors. By building an inclusive economy, TechTown is helping Detroit and Southeast Michigan compete and win. Visit techtowndetroit.org.
About Hatch Detroit
Hatch Detroit supports both existing and new retail initiatives in the cities of Detroit, Hamtramck and Highland Park. Hatch Detroit was founded in 2011 to give residents and aspiring entrepreneurs an opportunity to have a voice in neighborhood retail development and joined TechTown Detroit’s suite of entrepreneurial programs and services in 2022. Beyond the contest, Hatch Detroit provides funding, exposure and mentoring in support of its alumni entrepreneurs. With support from Hatch Detroit, 50 alumni have opened businesses. They employ over 500 people and have invested over $10 million in economic development. To learn more, visit hatchdetroit.com.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Franco: Grace Turner; (248) 515-8617; gturner@franco.com
Comerica: Matt Barnhart; (313) 222-3694; mpbarnhart@comerica.com
