Deadline Nearing For $50K Hatch Detroit Contest
By Edward Cardenas
DETROIT (CBS Detroit) - Entrepreneurs have just one more week to enter the Hatch Detroit contest for a chance to win $50,000 grant to open a business in Highland Park, Hamtramck or Detroit.
This is the fourth year of the contest - which supports new independent retail businesses - and for the first time it has expanded the contest area beyond Detroit's border.
Those looking to open a business in Highland Park and Hamtramck now can enter the contest. Additionally, prospective business owners who did not win the grand prize can still receive funding through a new partnership with the Detroit Lions to help them open their doors.
"We have expanded the business area to include Highland Park and Hamtramck. This allows us to provide spot funding for some of the alumni," said Vittoria Katanski, executive director of Hatch Detroit.
Applications are due July 16, and organizers state there has been 270 people who have started the process with 75 people who have submitted completed applications.
Following the deadline, the applications will be reviewed and the top 25 to 35 will reviewed by judges. The top 10 will then be put to a vote for the grand prize.
This year, the Detroit Lions also are offering nearly $40,000 to help those who were not selected during the past three years.
Katanski stated the support of the Detroit Lions is part of the team's "on-going commitment to revitalizing Detroit neighborhoods."
To apply, or for more information about the program, visit the Hatch Detroit website.
