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DETROIT, Mich. (June 3, 2013) – Starting today, applications can be submitted for the 2013 Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest. Entrepreneurs, new and experienced, are encouraged to submit their concepts for Detroit’s newest retail business at www.hatchdetroit.com.

The winning business pitch will receive a $50,000 grant courtesy of Comerica Bank and legal, marketing, accounting and IT support from Hatch Detroit.

“It’s amazing to watch these business plans evolve from mere ideas to brick and mortar retail shops around Detroit,” said Vittoria Katanski, Hatch Detroit executive director. “What’s even more exciting is that the contest has hatched more than just the two previous winners. Past contestants have been so inspired by the overwhelming community support during the competition, they’ve continued to move their business plans forward, turning their ideas into retail realities all over the city.”

Here’s a look back at some of the past contestants who have or are preparing to open up shop in Detroit:

2011 Contest

• Hugh, a male accessories shop concept, won the 2011 contest and has opened in Midtown.
• pot & box, a boutique flower shop, is currently operating a pop-up shop in D:Hive and plans to open a storefront in Corktown in the near future.
• Alley Wine recently received zoning approval from the City of Detroit and is moving forward at a Midtown location.
• Detroit Institute of Bagels is in construction mode at a location in Corktown.

2012 Contest

• La Feria, a Spanish tapas concept, the 2012 winner, is well on its way to opening this year in Midtown.
• Rock City Eatery, a locally- sourced artisan pie company, is in the process of opening a storefront in Hamtramck.
• Detroit River Sports, a river sporting company offering tours, lessons and rentals, has plans to open along the river this summer.
• Detroit Vegan Soul, a vegan soul food restaurant concept, plans to open in West Village this July.
• Pho da Nang, a traditional Vietnamese restaurant, is in the process of opening a storefront in Midtown.

“Comerica has a long history of supporting businesses in Detroit, from small to large, newcomers to century-old institutions,” said Mike Ritchie, president of Comerica Bank-Michigan. “Our hope is that investments like our grant to Hatch Detroit will continue to encourage others to explore new and creative ways to inspire business development in the City of Detroit and across the region.”

This year, the contest submission period is limited to just six weeks and the application process now requires a supporting visual to better illustrate the business idea. For complete submission guidelines and contest rules, visit www.hatchdetroit.com. The deadline for submissions is July 13, 2013.

About Hatch Detroit 

Hatch Detroit is a Michigan based 501(c)(3) organization that champions and supports independent retail businesses in Detroit through funding contests, education, exposure, and mentoring.  Hatch Detroit was co-founded by Nick Gorga and Ted Balowski, Detroit natives who are passionate about the revitalization of the city and inspiring others in the community to create change.

About Comerica Bank

Comerica Bank, with 215 banking centers in Michigan, is a subsidiary of Comerica Incorporated. Founded in Detroit in 1849, Comerica continues to invest in Michigan. Comerica’s $17 million renovation of its building at 411 W. Lafayette in Detroit was completed last year and the renamed Comerica Bank Center is now the bank’s Michigan Market headquarters. Comerica Incorporated (NYSE: CMA) is a financial services company strategically aligned by three business segments: The Business Bank, The Retail Bank, and Wealth Management. Comerica focuses on relationships, and helping people and businesses be successful. To find us on Facebook, please visit www.facebook.com/ComericaCares. Follow us on Twitter at @ComericaCares.

Hatch Detroit Media Contact
Vittoria Katanski
(248) 766-6485
vittoria@hatchdetroit.com

Comerica Media Contact
Kathleen Pitton
(313) 584-4523
kapitton@comerica.com

Alternate Media Contact
Genna Young
(313) 567-5014
young@franco.com