The City of Bloomington named its Top 10 finalists for Hatch Bloomington Loves Local, a 2026 spin on the city's Hatch business competition that's putting $100,000 toward existing small businesses instead of a single new storefront concept.
The finalists are Ado's Auto Body Collision and Repair Center, Afghan Darbar, Bloomington Brewery & Taproom (Nine Mile Brewing Co.), Bloomington Garden Center and Landscape Company, Bloomington Mow and Snow, Rise Up Nutrition, Shifa Metro Clinic, TBS Mart International Foods, The Great Steak and Zeke's Place.
Hatch Bloomington launched in 2024 as a straightforward pitch contest for new retail concepts, with Scramblin' Egg taking the inaugural prize; last year's winner, BookMother, is gearing up for a grand opening. For 2026, the city reworked the format to back businesses that already exist rather than fund a brand-new one, with up to five of this year's finalists set to receive money for capital improvements, operational upgrades or expansion plans.
The 10 finalists will pitch their funding requests to a judge panel at a public event Wednesday, July 29 at 6 p.m. at Bloomington Civic Plaza, with the judges deciding who splits the $100,000. The city plans to livestream the event on its YouTube channel for anyone who can't make it in person.
Mayor Tim Busse said the number and range of applicants this year speaks to the community's staying power. "The response to this year's program demonstrates the strength and resilience of Bloomington's small business community," Busse said. Questions about the program can go to the city's Community Development Department at 952-563-8920 or [email protected].