Who We Are

Hatch Detroit by TechTown is a vehicle to champion and support independent small businesses through funding, education, exposure and mentoring.

Anchored by the annual, popular Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest, Hatch awards one entrepreneur with $100,000 and a package of in-kind services to open their brick-and-mortar business in Detroit, Highland Park or Hamtramck. Hatch also provides continued technical assistance and coaching for contestants who place in the top 10 each year (Hatch alumni) through TechTown’s entrepreneurial education and small business services programming.

TechTown, Wayne State University’s entrepreneurship hub, is a nonprofit business service organization located in Detroit’s New Center that provides programs, education and resources for early- to growth-stage small businesses and tech entrepreneurs. By building bridges for entrepreneurs to succeed, TechTown is accelerating an inclusive and equitable economy for Detroit and Southeast Michigan.

TechTown Chief Program Officer Christianne Malone and the TechTown Detroit team oversee day-to-day operations for Hatch Detroit. Vittoria Katanski, who served as executive director of Hatch Detroit from 2011 – 2022, will provide continued Hatch alumni support as a TechTown small business services strategist-in-residence. For inquiries pertaining to Hatch Detroit, please email [email protected].