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14th annual Hatch Off will bring creative learning art space to Detroit
DETROIT (May 13, 2026) – The winner of the 2026 Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest by TechTown has been announced! Kraftologie is the winner of the 14th annual Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest, taking home the $100,000 grand prize from Comerica Bank (a division of Fifth Third Bank, N.A.) to open the brick-and-mortar business of their dreams in Detroit, Hamtramck or Highland Park, as well as a business support package from TechTown Detroit, Wayne State University’s entrepreneurship hub.
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.
Trice Clark, owner and founder, brings a background in creative production and education, inspired by her own experience losing access to arts programming at a young age. She is passionate about creating inclusive spaces where people of all ages can explore creativity without barriers.
With the $100,000 business grant from Comerica Bank, Clark plans to open in Detroit’s District 5, creating a welcoming environment where the community can gather, learn and express themselves through art.
“TechTown is proud of Kraftologie’s win and looks forward to helping the business grow and thrive in the community,” said Christianne Malone, Assistant Vice President for Economic Development at Wayne State University and Chief Program Officer of TechTown Detroit. “Each of this year’s Top 4 finalists represent the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit driving Detroit’s small business ecosystem and we remain committed to working alongside these founders as they bring their visions to life, creating lasting impact in the neighborhoods they serve.”
Throughout the 2026 Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest, public voting determined which businesses advanced in the competition, narrowing 10 semi-finalists down to four finalists. After more than 30,000 votes were cast, the four finalists – Asante’s Hi-Life Library, Detroit Movie Theater, Hobby Factory and Kraftologie – were selected.
A second round of public voting opened on April 29 and concluded at tonight’s event after all the finalists pitched their business ideas live to a panel of judges and an audience of their community, families and peers. Top of Form
Public votes and the judges’ deliberation were taken into consideration in crowning Kraftologie as the winner of the Hatch Off event on Wednesday, May 13, at the Wayne State University Industry Innovation Center in Detroit.
“This year’s Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest by TechTown showcased the entrepreneurial talent shaping Detroit’s small business ecosystem and neighborhoods,” said Meghan Storey, Senior Vice President, Michigan Director of Small Business at Comerica Bank. “The finalists exemplify the passion, dedication and vision required to transform an idea into a successful business venture. Congratulations to Kraftologie on winning this year’s top prize, we look forward to seeing the business grow, create impact and contribute to the vitality of Detroit’s small business economy.”
Kraftologie now joins previous winners that are some of Detroit’s most successful and well-known businesses, including 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).
To learn more about Kraftologie, 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: Christina Quirk; (248) 342-9530; cquirk@franco.com
Comerica: Matt Barnhart; (313) 222-3694; mpbarnhart@comerica.com
