07/24/2026
On a whim I sent in an application for the Hatch award - and - well - we are in the top 10! Wednesday night is the presentation - and we will find out soon.
Once I know the time of my presentation - I will post.
Hatch Bloomington Loves Local announces Top 10 Finalists
The City of Bloomington and a panel of local business leaders and community representatives have selected the 10 businesses advancing in the 2026 Hatch Bloomington Loves Local program.
This year's special edition of Hatch Bloomington Loves Local is investing $100,000 in total with existing Bloomington small businesses to help strengthen operations, support growth and invest in the community's economic future.
Following a competitive application process, the following businesses have been selected to advance to the live Hatch Bloomington Loves Local Pitch Event:
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
Zeke's Place
"The response to this year's program demonstrates the strength and resilience of Bloomington's small business community," said Mayor Tim Busse. "We're excited to celebrate these businesses and help them continue growing and serving our community."
The Top 10 finalists will present their funding requests during the Hatch Bloomington Loves Local Pitch Event on Wednesday, July 29, at 6 p.m. at Bloomington Civic Plaza. The event will be livestreamed on the City's YouTube channel.
Following the presentations, the judge panel will evaluate which businesses will receive funding through the program's $100,000 award.
More information about Hatch Bloomington is available at hatchbloomington.com.