Hatch Bloomington contest awards $100,000 to BookMother

Just announced: BookMother, an independent bookstore and coffee shop concept developed by Bloomington resident and entrepreneur Twila Dang, is the winner of the 2025 Hatch Bloomington business pitch competition. Dang will be awarded $100,000 to help her open her brick-and-mortar business.

The winning entry was selected based on two rounds of community voting and the work of a seven-judge panel that assessed contestants’ pitches at the Top 25, Top 10, and Top 3 stages.

BookMother will bring an independent bookstore to Bloomington. Designed as a modern third space, BookMother will offer curated books, light fare and rich programming. The space is built to center around what Dang calls the "Auntie" archetype: a tastemaker who shares books and ideas across generations while welcoming all who are curious, creative, and community-minded.

With the Hatch award, Dang plans to secure a Bloomington location, complete the buildout of the store, and launch with opening inventory and community programming. Her vision is for BookMother to become both a beloved neighborhood hub and a regional cultural anchor, blending retail, community, and connection.

"I’m passionate about this business because it’s more than a business to me. It’s a love letter to my hometown. It’s a space I wish had existed when I was younger, and a space I know my neighbors and community members are ready for now," Dang said in her contest application. "BookMother is about creating something enduring. It's a place where people can gather, grow, dream, and feel at home." 

The Hatch Bloomington competition reflects the City’s commitment to fostering innovation and supporting local entrepreneurs whose ideas enhance the quality of life in Bloomington.

"Hatch Bloomington aligns with the City’s goal of cultivating an enduring and remarkable community where people want to be," said Mayor Tim Busse. "BookMother will add vibrancy to Bloomington and create a welcoming space for residents and visitors alike." 

The 2025 Hatch Bloomington contest drew applicants from across the United States, each presenting innovative business ideas to strengthen Bloomington’s future. The contest is in its second year. The 2024 winner was Scramblin’ Egg, a breakfast-focused food cart that opened its restaurant at 7828 Portland Ave. S. this past spring.

Learn more: hatchbloomington.com