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All proposals selected for the Top 25 Pitch Round will be highly encouraged to take part in a series of Hatch Business Support Programs/Workshops.
These workshops are designed to provide multidimensional support to entrepreneurs looking to fully build out their business proposals and prepare contestants for the Pitch Events.
All events are free of charge.
Although the Top 25 candidates will not be announced until May 29, we encourage all applicants to set aside the following dates on your calendar in case you are selected:
Wednesday, June 4, 6-7:30 p.m.
Top 25: Introduction Workshop
(virtual/recorded – mandatory attendance/viewing)Saturday, June 14, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Top 25: CEO Start Bootcamp
(in-person, voluntary but highly encouraged)Sunday, June 15, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Top 25: CEO Start Bootcamp
(in-person, voluntary, however highly encouraged)Wednesday, Aug 20, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Top 3: Real Estate Workshop
(in person, mandatory)Date TBD
Top 3: Navigating City Permits
(1:1 individual session w/City staff)
(in person, mandatory)
Contest timeline
Application portal opens
Applications for the 2025 Hatch Bloomington competition will be accepted from March 31 through April 28.
Hatch Bloomington Information Session #2
This session is for people interested in learning about or entering the Hatch Bloomington competition.
Hatch Bloomington Information Session #3
This session is for people interested in learning about or entering the Hatch Bloomington competition.
Top 25 pitch event
At this event, each of the Top 25 contestants will have 3 minutes to pitch, in person, their business proposal to the Hatch judge panel.
This event is not open to the public.
Top 10 semifinalists announcement
The Hatch Program will announce the selected Top 10 candidates on July 8.
Keep an eye on the Hatch Bloomington and City of Bloomington social media accounts to learn which business ideas will advance.
Top 10 pitch event
At this public event, each of the Top 10 contestants will have 10 minutes to pitch, in person, their business proposal to the Hatch Judge Panel and Bloomington community.
Vote for your favorite Top 10 semifinalist
For one week, members of the public can vote for their favorite pitch to help determine who will advance to the Top Three finalists round.
Community voting will be open from August 5 through August 11.
Top 3 announcement
The Hatch program will announce the selected Top 3 candidates on August 13. Keep an eye on Hatch Bloomington’s and the City of Bloomington’s social media accounts to learn who the finalists are.
Top 3 Pitch Event
At this public event, each of the Top 3 contestants will have 15 minutes to pitch, in person, their business proposal to the Hatch Judge Panel and Bloomington community.
Vote for your favorite Top 3 finalist
After the Top Three finalists have completed their pitches at the September 4 pitch event, the public can vote for their favorite pitch to help determine the contest’s winner.
Hatch Bloomington winner announcment
This year’s winner will be announced on Friday, September 12 at noon! Look for the news on the Hatch Bloomington and City of Bloomington social media accounts.
Hatch Bloomington Information Session #1
This session is for people interested in learning about or entering the Hatch Bloomington competition.
Hatch Bloomington contest announcement
Join us for Bloomington’s 2025 State of the City, where Mayor Tim Busse will announce the kickoff of this year’s Hatch Bloomington contest.