New partnership will provide long-term sustainable growth for popular nonprofit organization

March 9, 2022

TechTown Detroit has welcomed a new addition into its program lineup. Hatch Detroit, a nonprofit focused on supporting, funding and developing independent storefront retail businesses in targeted metro Detroit neighborhoods will transition and become the newest initiative of TechTown’s small business services programming.

The integration with TechTown will provide a sustainable future for Hatch while creating synergies between the two organizations that both champion and support small businesses in and around Detroit. Hatch Executive Director Vittoria Katanski will manage the transition.

“Hatch Detroit is the perfect complement for TechTown’s small business programming,” said Ned Staebler, president and CEO of TechTown Detroit. “Hatch is the premiere retail concept contest and TechTown is the premiere business support organization. It makes perfect sense to partner and provides Detroit’s entrepreneurs expanded opportunities to make their small business dreams come true.”

In addition to offering robust programming to support entrepreneurs, Hatch Detroit has administered a popular annual contest, with the longtime support of Comerica Bank, that awards one savvy entrepreneur a cash grant and a package of in-kind services to open their brick-and-mortar retail business in Detroit, Highland Park or Hamtramck. Hatch gives the public a role in the redevelopment of their neighborhoods and the city by allowing them to vote at various stages within the contest.

Since 2011 when the contest began, 49 Hatch alumni businesses have opened, crediting the contest as a major accelerator in their launch. Hatch alumni collectively employ more than 500 people, many of whom reside in Detroit. Some of the winners include Baobab Fare, Sister Pie, Live Cycle Delight, Batch Brewing, Meta Physica Wellness Center and LaFeria.

“Our transition into TechTown will allow Hatch Detroit to expand capacity, increase reach and improve communication with business owners and the public,” said Katanski. “Hatch now has the opportunity to grow and touch the lives of future business owners for many years to come. The network of alumni winners can now mentor the next generation.”

Details about the signature Hatch Detroit contest will be announced in the coming weeks.