The City of Bloomington has announced the award recipients for the 2026 Hatch Bloomington Loves Local program. A total of $124,000 will be awarded to five small businesses in Bloomington to help strengthen operations, support growth and invest in the community's economic future.
Following a competitive application process, 10 Bloomington businesses advanced to the live Hatch Bloomington Loves Local pitch event on July 29, where finalists presented their funding requests to a panel of local business leaders and community representatives.
The judges determined the quality of this year's finalists exceeded expectations and recommended increasing the available funding to support more businesses. In response, the Bloomington Port Authority provided an additional $24,000 in 2026 Business Assistance Funds, increasing the total award amount from $100,000 to $124,000.
The following businesses were selected to receive funding:
- Ado's Auto Body Collision and Repair Center ($40,000)
- Afghan Darbar ($40,000)
- Zeke's Place ($20,000)
- Bloomington Garden Center and Landscape Co. ($12,000)
- Bloomington Brewery & Taproom (Nine Mile Brewing) ($12,000)
Each recipient received funding matching the amount requested during its live pitch presentation.
“The quality of this year's applicants speaks to the strength of Bloomington's small business community,” said Mayor Tim Busse. “Congratulations to this year's funding recipients and to all 10 finalists for sharing their vision and commitment to growing Bloomington's local economy."
The funding recipients will be recognized during the Bloomington City Council meeting on August 31.
Congratulations to all 10 finalists for their innovation, entrepreneurship and dedication to serving the Bloomington community.
Hatch Bloomington originated in 2024 as a business pitch competition awarding $100,000 to a new business opening a brick-and-mortar location in Bloomington. In 2026, the program was reimagined as Hatch Bloomington Loves Local, shifting its focus to supporting existing Bloomington businesses and helping them continue to grow and serve the community.
Residents who missed the live event watch the full Hatch Bloomington Loves Local Pitch Event on the City's YouTube channel.
