About Hatch Bloomington

Hatch Bloomington is a retail pitch competition located in the City of Bloomington that gives ambitious entrepreneurs the opportunity to win a $100,000 financial assistance award, significant exposure, and a robust business network to tap into.

Community voting in the final two rounds will help ensure the winning idea reflects local needs and interests.

  • Applications
    117 unique applications,
    64 accepted for consideration.

    Winner
    Scramblin’ Egg, Grant Veitenheimer and Nick Peterson.

    Hatch social media engagement
    325,815 total impressions, across Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

    Media publications
    92 articles or news segments focused on Hatch.

    Media viewership
    54 million eyeballs.

    Earned media
    $650,000.

    1. Support the existing, and growing, small business community in Bloomington.

    2. Position Bloomington as an attractive location for outside investment and economic activity.

    3. Build and maintain a pipeline of up-and-coming entrepreneurs who are Bloomington-focused.

    4. Strengthen partnerships between the City, Minneapolis Regional Chamber, and other drivers of economic growth throughout the Metro area.

  • Community voting is managed using online voting software to guard against duplicate and fraudulent efforts.

    Voters need not be residents of Bloomington. Anyone following the competition is encouraged to submit a vote in for one of the Top 10 and Top 3 entries.

    Community members are also encouraged to attend the Top 10 and Top 3 pitch rounds and public-facing events throughout the competition. We want to make sure the people have a voice in what the future of the Bloomington economy looks like.

  • The City of Bloomington has partnered with the following organizations for the financial award:

    • Bloomington Port Authority.

    • Bloomington MN Travel and Tourism.

    The award will help support the growth of the small business community in Bloomington.

    Guided by state statute, Bloomington may use some general fund monies each year to nurture its small business community and to position the city as an attractive location for outside investment and economic activity.

    When a winner has been selected, the Minneapolis Regional Chamber will provide fiduciary oversight while working with the recipient to launch their business.

Hatch Bloomington information presentation

This slide deck provides a detailed overview of the Hatch Bloomington competition.

Cover slide image linked to Google Slide presentation

2025 Contest judges

Bonnie Carlson

Bonnie Carlson

Lona Dallessandro

Lona Dallessandro

Joe Fittante

Joe Fittante

Antonelli Lindsay

Antonelli Lindsay

Billy Mzenga

Billy Mzenga

Shawn Nelson

Shawn Nelson

Clint Roberts

Clint Roberts

Judges are chosen for their expertise in business and entrepreneurship, their deep understanding of the Bloomington business community, and their ability to provide diverse, informed perspectives that help identify ideas with the greatest potential for local impact.

This year’s judges

  • Bonnie Carlson, President & CEO, Bloomington Minnesota Travel & Tourism.

  • Lona Dallessandro, Bloomington City Councilmember, District III. 

  • Joe Fittante, President & Franchise Lawyer, Larkin Hoffman.

  • Antonelli Lindsay, Owner & President, Antonelli & Associates.

  • Billy Mzenga, Institute for Social Innovation Director, University of St. Thomas. 

  • Shawn Nelson, Bloomington City Councilmember, District II. 

  • Clint Roberts, Founder & President, One Simple Plan.