First round of Hatch voting ends Thursday as 10 startups vie for $50K prize
The popular Hatch Detroit contest has entered its fourth year and the ten start-ups announced as semi-finalists are doing all that they can to garner votes. The eventual winner of the small business competition will receive a $50,000 grant and a suite of business support services.
Voting for the semi-finalist round is open to the public and ends at 11:59 p.m. EST on August 14. Voters may select four businesses during the first round and may vote once a day. Voting for the second round will begin August 15, when the field of competitors is narrowed to four businesses. The eventual winner of the $50,000 prize will be announced August 20.
While there is only one winner, just making it into the top ten is a great source of exposure and motivation for businesses.
“Hatch has given us a faster pace to run to,” says Jen David, co-founder of Third Wave Music. “I’ve been meeting new people and talking to many musicians and students excited for a new spot to get what they need and have support. It’s been really encouraging to hear positive feedback. It’s really motivating.”
The semi-finalists are:
- Alegria Pops: Maker of Mexican ice pops
- Bumbo’s: A neighborhood bar and restaurant in Hamtramck
- Cockadoodle: A breakfast and lunch spot on the Avenue of Fashion
- Gabriel Hall: A New Orleans-themed restaurant, bar, and venue in Woodbridge
- McClary Bros. Outpost: An old-timey ‘drinking vinegar’ maker in Corktown
- Rocco’s Italian Deli: High quality meats, cheeses, vegetables, and herbs shop in Midtown
- Sister Pie: A locally-sourced pie maker opening in West Village
- Third Wave Music: An instrument retail store opening in the soon-to-be restored Forest Arms apartment building in Midtown
- Uncle Bug’s Organic Creamery: Artisanal ice cream manufacturing space and retail storefront
- 1701 Bespoke: A custom menswear store
Source: Jen David, co-founder of Third Wave Music
Writer: MJ Galbraith
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