Our Story

Hatch Detroit was founded in 2011 by Nick Gorga as a vehicle to champion and support independent small businesses. The Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest was built on an idea called “crowd entrepreneurship” where residents have a role in voting for the type of businesses they want in their community.

In 2014, Hatch expanded its retail role into three neighborhoods in Detroit with the Neighborhood Initiative. Investments included signage, interior lighting, window displays, and outdoor beautification projects all geared to improving safety, walkability and retail vibrancy.

In 2022, Hatch joined TechTown Detroit’s suite of entrepreneurial programs and services, providing a sustainable future for the program.

Now in its 11th year, Hatch Detroit by TechTown will continue to bring some of the most celebrated small businesses to Detroit, Hamtramck and Highland Park. Since the contest began, over 50 Hatch alumni businesses have opened a storefront, crediting the contest as a major accelerator in their launch. Hatch alumni collectively employ more than 500 people, many of whom reside in Detroit. Some contest winners include Little Liberia, Baobab Fare, Sister Pie, Batch Brewing, Meta Physica Wellness Center and LaFeria.