Hatch your business idea!

Hatch Bloomington is open to anyone along the business development spectrum, from an aspiring entrepreneur with no business experience to a veteran small business owner looking to expand or launch a new venture.

Applications will be accepted March 31 - April 28, 2025.

  • Any U.S. citizen is encouraged to apply, as long as the pitch includes a brick-and-mortar/physical presence in Bloomington, Minnesota. 

  • The winner of the competition will receive $100,000 in business assistance as well as technical assistance in establishing their business.

    A major benefit for all applicants is exposure. If your proposal advances to the Top 10 pitch round, it will receive public exposure and earned media, with your product or service idea in front of thousands of potential customers.

    The competition is an outstanding opportunity to gain experience pitching your business idea, and to grow your network as you do so.

    Ideal applicants are aspiring entrepreneurs or owners of existing small businesses who are looking to launch or grow an independent brick-and-mortar retail businesses in Bloomington.

    You can apply at any point in your business development timeline, from initial ideation to the expansion stage.

  • The definition of a retail business is very broad. This could be a donut shop, a bar, a restaurant, a gym, a café, or a flower shop – we encourage applicants to get creative! We are excited to see what the future of the Bloomington economy will look like.

    The competition is not limited to for-profit businesses; social entrepreneurs and nonprofits are more than welcome to participate, as long as they satisfy the contest criteria.

    A proposal is competitive if it is economically and environmentally sustainable, with a business strategy aimed at filling a retail gap that currently exists in the city. The proposal will also include a clear path to viability and articulate a strong vision for how the business will positively engage with the Bloomington community.

    Please scroll to the bottom of this page to review the scoring criteria used to judge entries.

    Not accepted: Submissions to launch a food truck or a franchise store. We want to ensure that the economic impact of the business is felt first and foremost in Bloomington.

    • Completed online application form/questionnaire. 

    • Answers to demographic and professional competency questions.

    • Description of business proposal, work completed, and projected use of funds.

    • Completed finance/budget document.​

    Optional additional information:

    • Two-page written concept/formal business plan.

    • Ten-slide pitch deck.


    • One-minute video.

    • Website link.

    • Social media link(s).

  • Yes, all applications need to include a financial plan.

    A template is available for download and use, but applicants are welcome to submit their own financial document if they have already developed one.

    Additional materials that are not required, but will strengthen your competitiveness, include a business plan, pitch deck, and one-minute video.​

  • No, but a reference would strengthen your overall application and business proposal.

  • No. The application for Hatch Bloomington is completely free.

  • Judges’ scores are based on four metrics:

    • Plan and progress (30%).

    • Impact (30%).

    • Leadership (20%).

    • Finances (20%).

    Scroll to the bottom of this page for details.

  • No. Although we welcome business owners looking to grow their current operation, we encourage anyone with a business idea to apply. As long as the proposal includes a brick-and-mortar storefront presence in the City of Bloomington.

  • Applicants will be notified between June 3 and June 6 as to whether or not they have been selected as a Top 25 semifinalist.

    If you have made the cut, you have 23 days to prepare for the Top 25 semifinal pitch round June 26

  • The competition will be held in person.

    Be prepared to travel to Bloomington Civic Plaza (1800 W Old Shakopee Rd, Bloomington, MN 55431) for all pitch rounds and public-facing events.

Evaluation criteria

Plan and progress (30%)

  • Is there a roadmap for moving to the next stage of the business life cycle?
    (ideation to implementation to fully operational to expansion)

  • Is there a demonstrated demand for this product or service?

  • Has the business established a customer base?

  • Is there a clear plan to create awareness amongst and convert target customers?

  • Is the proposal commercially viable?

  • Has the business hired staff or established strategic advisors?

Impact (30%)

  • Is there a demonstrated, meaningful impact to Bloomington and the community?

  • Is there a compelling narrative?

  • Is this a breakthrough idea with an innovative approach?

  • Does this product or service address a relevant market gap?

  • Does this business support one or more of the City’s strategic objectives?

Leadership (20%)

  • Do the entrepreneurs demonstrate leadership skills and any qualified industry experience?

  • Is there passion for the business proposal?

  • Is there an awareness of and plan to address major market risks and challenges?

Finances (20%)

  • Is there a demonstrated need for funding?

  • Is there a thought-out, planned use for the funding/financial award?

  • Has any outside funding been raised to date?

  • If fully operational, has the business generated any revenue?

  • Is there a path to profitability?