Mayor Tim Busse with a $100,000 check for a bold business.

Bloomington, MN—Hatch Bloomington is back, and so is a chance to win $100,000 to bring a bold business idea to life in Bloomington, Minnesota. Now in its second year, this pitch competition is designed to foster local entrepreneurship, revitalize commercial corridors, and empower innovative thinkers to launch the next great storefront business in the city.

The City of Bloomington, Bloomington Minnesota Travel & Tourism and the Minneapolis Regional Chamber announced the return of Hatch Bloomington today at Bloomington’s State of the City 2025 event.

Hatch Bloomington offers an incredible opportunity for ambitious entrepreneurs to compete for a chance to win $100,000 in financial assistance to launch their dream business in Bloomington. The competition supports the small business community and attracts fresh investment into Bloomington, positioning the city as a hub of economic activity and innovation in the Twin Cities metropolitan area.

“We’re proud to bring back Hatch Bloomington to continue supporting entrepreneurs who share our vision for a thriving local economy,” said Bloomington Mayor Tim Busse. “This initiative is more than a competition; it’s a platform for innovation, growth, and community engagement.”

Applications will be accepted from March 31 through April 28. During this period, individuals can submit a proposal outlining their concepts and plans. In addition to the chance to win $100,000, competitors will gain valuable exposure and access to tools, feedback, and connections to help them succeed.

After applications close, the Top 25 entries will be invited to pitch their ideas to a panel of judges from the local business community. The judging panel will select the Top 10 finalists, who will move on to a second pitch round. During this stage, community members will vote via text to help identify the Top 3 finalists.

These Top 3 competitors will then deliver final presentations to both the judges and the public before a final round of voting determines the winner.

For more information about the application process, eligibility criteria, and competition details, visit hatchbloomington.com.

Follow Hatch Bloomington on Facebook and Instagram.

Join us for the 2025 State of the City with Mayor Tim Busse on Friday, March 21, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., at the Radisson Blu Mall of America. Celebrate the Best of Bloomington while you learn about the past year's accomplishments and what's planned for this year and beyond.

• 11 a.m. - Registration, networking and expo tables
• 11:30 a.m. - Lunch service begins
• 12 p.m. - Program 
• 1 p.m. - Adjourn

Register online

Bloomington, MN — The City of Bloomington is now accepting applications for the 2025 Blooming Arts Partnerships grant program. This program provides funding to nonprofit arts organizations, unincorporated Cultural Arts Groups, artists and community arts education programs that create a meaningful impact in Bloomington. Both new and returning applicants are encouraged to apply.

Grants of up to $10,000 per applicant may be available. Eligible applicants include those in performing arts (dance, theater, opera, spoken word, puppetry, music, and other types of performance), and those in visual arts, with a strong preference for projects and programming based in Bloomington. 

“The Blooming Arts Partnerships grants help support and strengthen Bloomington’s creative community,” said Ian Brekke, Center for the Arts Manager. “By investing in artists and organizations, we’re able to expand access to the arts, foster collaboration and ensure that diverse and meaningful cultural experiences continue to thrive in our city.”

Applications must be submitted by Tuesday, April 22 at 11:59 p.m. A panel review process will follow with funding recommendations considered by the Parks, Arts and Recreation Commission and City Council. Grant awards will be distributed in June.

For full eligibility details, application materials and deadlines, visit blm.mn/bloomingarts.