Hatch Detroit Contest Finalists Unveiled

Five entrepreneurial teams will advance to the final stage of Comerica’s Hatch Detroit Contest, an annual contest that awards up-and-coming entrepreneurs $50K to build out their brick and mortar storefronts. 

For 10+ years and even during the pandemic, Hatch Detroit has helped Detroit business owners continue to thrive. This year, the five finalists will be competing for a whooping $100k. Those in competition include:

• Colfetaire, a European dessert and pastry shop in the heart of Downtown Detroit, that specializes not only on Romanian pastries, but also delicious treats from other parts around Europe;
• Detroit Farm and Cider, a 4.9 acre commercial farm on Detroit’s West side with plans to build a cider mill, offer youth day camps, and horseback riding classes;
• Gajiza Dumplins, an Asian-style dumpling shop that specializes in handmade, Chinese and Japanese dishes with more than 30 flavors of their signature dumplings;
• Lily’s & Elise, a luxurious Experience in the form of European-style afternoon and high tea with fresh pastries, small plates to match orders;
• Little Liberia, a pop-up restaurant that has been bringing the flavors of Liberia to Metro Detroit for over two years with their rich cultural cuisine and authentic dining experience;

The contest will soon enter the final round and the general public can cast their votes on who they think is worthy of winning the $100k prize. Individuals can cast their vote once every 24 hours online at hatchdetroit.com/vote until Friday, July 8, 2022.

“The public’s vote is so critical in the Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest,” Vittoria Katanski, executive director of Hatch Detroit, said. “The people that are casting votes are the community members that will be patronizing and frequenting these businesses for years to come.”

Once the voting closes, the five businesses will present their business plans at the “Hatch Off” to a panel of judges, and a live audience taking place at 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 21, 2022 at the Wayne State University Industry Innovation Center.