This is the second post in a blog series highlighting communities that were profiled in the new Knight Foundation and NLC joint report, Bright Spots in Community Engagement.  The report showcases 14 U.S. communities that are building greater civic participation and engagement from the bottom up.

When you talk to civic entrepreneurs in Detroit, you hear a common refrain:

“This city is like the Wild West – you can do anything here!”

Part of Detroit’s ‘Wild West’ feeling comes from the physical surroundings. Even though it is an older Rust Belt city, the wide avenues in the downtown and the new wide-open spaces in Detroit’s neighborhoods – which have emerged in part through demolition of blighted housing – make it seem emptier than is actually the case.  (In fact, Detroit has greater population density than Denver or Phoenix.)

Some people mention the coyotes that have moved into neighborhoods near downtown; Delphia Simmons of Kiva Detroit complains about the pheasants that now occupy the vacant lot next to her house and wake her up early in the morning with their calls.

The support of several foundations, including the Knight Foundation, combined with the wide-open environment for civic entrepreneurs, has fostered a number of bright spots in Detroit’s engagement scene:

• Kiva Detroit, which provides microloans to local small businesses.
• Hatch Detroit, which provides funding, business services and community exposure to new retail startups.
• Code for America; Detroit is one of the cities involved in this national initiative to connect technology experts with public service through a system of embedded fellowships.
• Detroit Works, a community engagement process to create a shared, achievable vision for Detroit’s future.
• Detroit Soup, a monthly dinner at which participants raise money and select creative projects to receive micro-financing.
• Model D, an online magazine highlighting the successes of engagement efforts.
• Urban Innovation Exchange, an initiative to showcase and advance Detroit’s growing civic and social innovation movement.
• Data Driven Detroit, which provides high quality information and analysis to drive engagement and informed decision-making.
• The Detroit City Futbol League/Club, an 800-person, 28-neighborhood league that goes beyond soccer to bring together neighbors and highlight Detroit’s unique and historic communities.

Most of these bright spots rely on the same successful principles. Similar to the community engagement work being done in Philadelphia,  all of them build supportive networks of people, and use social media in concert with face-to-face meetings to make and sustain those connections. They are all information- and idea-rich, allowing innovation to spread rapidly and gather support through the network. And they have a ‘cool factor’ – there is a psychological reward for people in these networks when they do things that seem innovative and public-minded.

The public institutions of Detroit do not seem to have much of a presence in these networks. Nick Gorga of Hatch Detroit, a nonprofit committed to promoting retail entrepreneurs and improving retail business in the city, reported that though he and his partners had spoken with hundreds of people as they set up their organization, they hadn’t talked with a single person in local government.

Sean Mann, founder of the Detroit City Futbol League, noted that most of the successes he and his collaborators have experienced have come in spite of, rather than with the support of, city government institutions.

 Bridging Civic Divides

One result of this division between civic entrepreneurs and civic institutions is a lack of coordination among people working to solve public problems. The new civic networks have been effective at tapping assets outside government, but they are not connected with the public resources, including money and manpower, available for problem-solving and community-building.

A largely unspoken dimension of this division is racial: the civic entrepreneurs working in Detroit seem to be disproportionately white, well-educated, and middle- to upper-income, whereas the workforce in City Hall and the Detroit Public Schools is dominated by the African-America middle class.

The real Wild West may have been a good environment for innovation, but it was also a highly divided society. There may be ways that technology-assisted, socially savvy network-building can help to bridge the key divisions in Detroit, making it a city that is more innovative, equitable and engaged. Public-private partnerships between civic entrepreneurs, foundations, city government and other public institutions could provide a more systematic, coordinated approach to community engagement that is as inclusive as it is innovative.

Avenue of Fashion Memories

I had a wonderful childhood experience in this North West Detroit neighborhood.  We lived in the University District, across 7 Mile Rd. from Sherwood Forest and adjacent to Palmer Woods.  Our home was on a tree-lined street, a modern 4 bedroom red brick colonial with a big backyard.  My elementary school was only about a half block down the street and around the corner.  Palmer Park was a quick bike ride away where we blazed the trails, climbed the jungle gym, played tag and swung until our heads spun.  One of my favorite activities was ice skating on the Palmer Park pond in winter; we also had great fun trying to play tennis during summer.

The Avenue of Fashion was the place to be and be seen.  It was a quaint and fashionable promenade were we shopped, got our hair and nails done, hung out and ate.  I loved window shopping at Marty Fuerst, a popular upscale shoe store where I got my first pair of high (3 inch chunky stacked) heels and were the very first street shoes I wore that weren’t Buster Brown’s or Hack’s corrective shoes.  As a youngster, my mother allowed me to pick out holiday and special occasion dresses at B. Siegel Department Store.  I felt like a little princess, trying on pretty dresses and posing in front of the 3 way mirror.  Just about everyday, I’d cut a path over to Kay’s Candy Store for chips, penny candy and soda pop.  I bought my first Jackson 5 single and every J5 album at Monroe Records, also on the avenue.  Our favorite store of all was S. S. Kresge, because there were lots of toys and other things priced within our kid size budgets.  As a fashion conscious teen, I checked out my favorite Avenue of Fashion boutiques Pickwick, Inside Out, Paraphernalia and Zana’s Place, on a regular basis.

The Avenue of Fashion had many thriving businesses including  banks, department stores, fashion boutiques, tailors, shoe repair shops, dry cleaners, shoe stores, drug and convenience stores, jewelry stores, art galleries, barber shops and beauty salons.  There was also a spa, a sporting goods store, a hardware store, a florist shop, a travel agency, daycare centers and doctor’s offices.  Some of the more notable businesses were Detroit Bank and Trust, Sanders, S.S. Kresge, Olympic Sporting Goods, B. Siegel, Belle Jacob, Doubleday Bookstore, Good Houskeeping Appliance Store, Grinnells Music, Sidney Crandall Jewelers, Greenstone Jewelers, Bakers Keyboard Lounge, Cunningham’s Drug Store, Monroe Records, Ranier Bakery, Marty Fuerst Shoes, Hack Shoes, Hansel and Gretel Shoes, Chandler’s Shoes, Raven Gallery, Donald Morris Gallery, LaSalle Distributors, La Bordeaux Restaurant, Skipper’s Table, Ann Sayles Tea Room, Billy’s Delicatessen, Robin Hood Grill, The Little Pancake House and later Motown Photography Studio and City School of Detroit.  New Dimensions, our favorite hair salon and my mother’s interior designer were located there too.  Back in the day, you could find whatever you needed on the Avenue of Fashion and it was a great place to run into friends or meet for lunch.

It’s wonderful that Hatch Detroit is now assisting small business owners in setting up shop in Detroit neighborhood business districts.  I long for the day when the Avenue of Fashion reflects its former grandeur.

Video Source:  http://www.modeldmedia.com/

FORCLOSURE AUCTION

Friday, September 14 – Thursday, September 20

Do you have a vision for the city? Do you think you can take a vacant plot of land and turn it into a sustainable asset for Detroit? Or maybe you want to rennovate an old Detroit home? This is your chance to bid on the land that you have always wanted! Check out Why Don’t We Own This for auction proceedings, more info and alerts!

HATCH DETROIT

Thursday, September 13–11am-2pm

Where to vote: Grand Trunk Pub or anytime from Your Computer

Show your support and vote for your favorite business from the 2012 Top Ten Semi-Finalists Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest. The contest aims to encourage and support independent Detroit retail businesses.

Check out the event for more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/427743227261621/

BELLE ISLE AQUARIUM GRAND RE-OPENING

Saturday, September 15–10am-3pm

Belle Isle Aquarium

Celebrate the Grand Re-Opening of one Detroit’s most missed gems–the Belle Isle Aquarium. Admission is free, parking is free and you get to see the fish…does it get any better? Bring all the drinks and snacks you want–there are no concessions but outside food is allowed. Be sure to check out the other Belle Isle attractions while your over that way too.

Freelance writer and Wayne State English major, Nicole Hayden is a city-lover, dorky dancer and cupcake connoisseur. She has interned (aka nervously sweated) at Real Detroit Weekly, writes for I am Young Detroit, spreads the power of writing at The Children’s Center, and toils away at her office-assistant desk at WSU School of Medicine.

]]> http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2012/09/04/10-semi-finalists-announced-in-comerica-hatch-detroit-retail-contest/ Tue, 04 Sep 2012 20:27:22 +0000 Matt Roush http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2012/09/04/10-semi-finalists-announced-in-comerica-hatch-detroit-retail-contest/ DETROIT — Hatch Detroit has announced the top 10 semi-finalists for the 2012 Comerica Hatch Detroit contest.

This year’s competition brought in more than 250 business plan submissions, representing a 25 percent increase over last year’s contest. From a vegan café with a soulful twist to a business that seeks to bring kayak rentals to the riverfront, this year’s semi-finalists represent Detroit’s creative entrepreneurship at its best.

The 10 semi-finalists include:
* Detroit River Sports — Kayak rentals to city-goers, offering tours through the canal districts of Belle Isle, downtown and other parts of the city.
* Detroit Vegan Soul Café – Vegan food with a soul twist, currently operating as a catering and food delivery business, looking to open a store in Midtown.
* La Feria – A wine bar featuring authentic Spanish tapas in a relaxed yet upbeat setting, looking to open in Midtown.
* Motor City Design – A custom denim specialty retail store featuring Made in Michigan products where customers can watch garments be made right in the store, looking to open downtown.
* Pho da Nang – A Vietnamese restaurant based in Clawson looking to open another location in Midtown.
* Rock City Pies – A handmade pie company specializing in unique combinations such as Salty Apple Carmel Pie and Blueberry-Custard Pie, looking to open in Midtown.
* Tashmoo Biergarten – Based on the biergartens in Germany, operating as a pop-up in West Village, looking to open a permanent space in the neighborhood.
* The Collective Tap – High-end beer retailer offering classes and food parings, looking to open downtown.
* Vividbraille Studio Boutique – Fuses high-end fashion and design with USA manufacturing in a retail setting, offering customers some of the finest Made in the USA fashion goods, currently operating in Chicago and looking to expand to Detroit.
* Whip Hand Cosmetics – A cosmetic company, currently operating online, looking to open its manufacturing and retail facility downtown.

To read full biographies of each company visit www.hatchdetroit.com.

“We’re impressed by the volume and quality of this year’s submissions,” said Nick Gorga, co-founder of Hatch Detroit. “Our board had the tough task of narrowing down the pool of applicants to the top 10. We’re excited to introduce the semi-finalists and invite the public to cast their vote for Detroit’s next retail development beginning September 10.”

Public voting opens Monday, Sept. 10 at 12:01 a.m. and continues through Monday, Sept. 17 at 11:59 p.m. at www.hatchdetroit.com.

The top four vote-getters will be announced Sept. 19 and compete in a Hatch Off event on Sept. 26.

Comerica Bank will provide the full prize amount of $50,000 for the winning business idea, which will be revealed Sept. 27.

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, metro Detroit natives who are passionate about the revitalization of the city and inspiring others in the community to create change.

The show talks about Hatch Detroit, Tech Town, urban farming and neighborhoods like Corktown. To watch the video and check out some of the other topics check out the link below.  

Front and Center: Redefining Detroit

Hugh

Hugh was the winner and overall this is going to be the place for the modern gentleman to shop. But women will still be interested in the lovely retail and will want these classy items for themselves.

Alley Wine

Alley Wine is somewhere that I would like to be on a Saturday night. Local musicians, a selection of wine from around the globe and retailing items such as salami, cheese, and wine sounds like somewhere I need to be. While enjoying the company of good people and possibly a magazine waiting at a table if I decide to go alone.

The Woodbridge Gypsy Den and Tea Room

The Woodbridge Gypsy Den and Tea Room will be my campus hang out spot, because I need  a vegan/ local cafe vibe while I am at school. With Wayne State University being in the area of Woodbridge I can see this as a great tea place. Plus the free cooking demonstrations, classes, and health events will be a plus for us all.

The Workroom

The Workroom is going to be a  high fashion surge to Detroit. Offering a retail gallery, photography studio and styling services. They also have youth programs to show how to apply creative talent. Strolling through here during the week would be a much-needed stress reliever.

Hatch Detroit announced its final four business ideas giving each team a chance to speak and answer questions at a live event put on by Model D called The Next Big Thing. The event was amazing, you can read about my experience here, but the acoustics in the main lobby made it rather difficult to hear the answers. I’ve attempted to contact each of the finalists with a set of five “Spine” questions to learn just a little bit more about each of the ideas.

Remember you can vote once per day until Wednesday, when voting ends. Click here to vote.

The WORKROOM

Did you know that Detroit is becoming a hot bed of fashion, and desperately in need of a garment district dedicated to the support and encouragement of apparel businesses? Well it’s true, and the WORKROOM is hoping to take the first step!

The goal of the WORKROOM is to establish a space that is more than just retail.  The concept would emphasize fashion and apparel from the sample/product development phase, all the way through to the retail storefront.  The WORKROOM could become a model for other independent design labels to use, as they improve upon the structure of their own businesses.  Development of these types of label facilities builds toward distribution, which then leads to a demand for production needs.  Those key factors create the district and push it to thrive.

Twitter: @workroomD

Facebook: WorkroomDetroit

SPACE

TEAM MEMBERS:

Fotoula Lambros – Owner/Principal/Creative Director

How will winning this contest help you achieve your business goals?

Winning the contest will accelerate my goals in Fashion Business that I am already a part of. Workroom is a reflection of how I run my business and my life, so it was natural to submit WORKROOM as my concept. Between my brand, FLD and the other collaborative ventures I am involved in, whether helping my friends with advice or guidance on how to market their products, to even selling some pieces for them since I wear them all the time. In Fashion, there are endless possibilities, and with HATCH behind this contest, I am sure that the possibilities are endless with WORKROOM.

 What other Detroit establishment do you most look up to for advice and inspiration?

I look to a few different places for both advice and inspiration. The Detroit Creative Corridor is a place I think lends such a tremendous contribution to the Economic Growth in Detroit, and the creatives that can benefit from their services and advice. For inspiration, I love going to my friends studios and taking in all the energy that thrives in their space. From Sarah and Angela in the Brooklyn Lofts of Corktown with WOUND Menswear and PeaceLoveSpandex, to the Russell Industrial Center, where my boys, Urban Pheasant Glass make their amazing pieces.  I am inspired by the people in Detroit, creating and doing the exact same thing as I am. Expressing themselves through art, in any form. The artists here that are guided by the passion for their craft.

 Why should people choose your idea over the others?

I feel that WORKROOM is not just a retail store. It is a creative space that offers retail, as well as sees a product through its development stages, marketing and sale. There is an industry that is offered to Detroit from the Fashion realm. A lot of forward thinking people are supporting local, and see the talent that exists here. WORKROOM is made to emphasize what is already going on around Detroit, but giving it a home where many people and professionals can benefit from what goes on there. Every department of WORKROOM offers jobs, products and benefits for its involvement. Even the YOUTH Department section, is to provide the younger generation in the city a chance to connect with the Creative Professionals here, and be guided in a positive life direction from their teens. WORKROOM is about Community, and everything that it involves. Commerce.

 Have you decided on a space? What neighborhood? And why?

Our concept is targeted for Capitol Park in the Lower Woodward area of Downtown Detroit. This district is not only a historic landmark of the City (Michigan’s First State Capitol), but has once in its past thrived as a hub of transit, business and residential property in Detroit. Lately, the area has seen a rough road, but there are some amazing buildings there and vastly vacant, that would allow our Concept to inhabit, and also grow out from. WORKROOM is bringing an industry to Detroit, but the space available at Capitol Park would allow for a Garment District to establish in Detroit.

What is your favorite Detroit hangout?

Ahh, that’s a tough one. I have a dozen, definitely, but to name one Foran’s. Great brunch, bloody mary’s, Jameson, all of it. I love the people, the space, the location…and of course, Motor City Wine is right up stairs. Just saw Carl Craig play there and it was an unforgettable night.

SPACE

Amy Gutz - Retail Sales Director of WORKROOM-GALLERY

How will winning this contest help you achieve your business goals?

The funds and the professional services will expedite the realization of WORKROOM.

What other Detroit establishment do you most look up to for advice and inspiration?

The DDP (Detroit Downtown Partnership)….as well as a few other entrepreneurs/friends in the area.

Why should people choose your idea over the others?

This is really an opportunity to jump start a whole industry.  Fotoula and I are on a panel discussion for a Garment Industry in Michigan.  There is movement in progress.  First hand, we can see the support and resources on a state level.  This is not just a store to go shopping, this is a venue that offers service to shoppers and talented professionals alike.

Have you decided on a space? What neighborhood? And why?

Capitol Park.  Beyond its historic contribution, Capitol Park offers a central location for commerce and community.

What is your favorite Detroit hangout?

Grand Trunk/Motorcity Wine

space

Other Workroom members include:

Lorne Lubin – Leather and Metal Craftsmen

Laura Rose - Lead Stylist of WORKROOM-STYLE

Laur Nash - WORKROOM- SHOOT

Hatch Detroit announced its final four business ideas giving each team a chance to speak and answer questions at a live event put on by Model D called The Next Big Thing. The event was amazing, you can read about my experience here, but the acoustics in the main lobby made it rather difficult to hear the answers. I’ve contacted each of the finalists with a set of five “Spine” questions to learn just a little bit more about each of the ideas.

Remember you can vote once per day until Wednesday, when voting ends. Click here to vote.

Hugh

Inspired by the men’s magazines of the 50s and 60s, Hugh is a store that offers Detroiters a place to find cool stuff for sophisticated living.

With one foot firmly rooted in mid-century “Mad Men” style and the other in the present, Hugh is a store that offers a contemporary take on classic bachelor pad style. Hugh sells all kinds of housewares – glassware, bar and smoking accessories, personal effects, books, furniture, lighting and cool home accessories – with a general masculine focus.  But despite its manly appeal, Hugh offers something for everyone.

If Hugh sounds familiar, it may be because of its far-reaching reputation as the first pop-up shop in the region. First in the Fall of 2009, then again in 2010 as a holiday season pop-up with a winter ski holiday bent. In the world of risky retail ventures in Detroit this model has already proven itself twice. The new and improved plan is to make Hugh a full-time shop!

Blog: Hugh.blogspot.com

Facebook: Hugh

TEAM MEMBERS:

Joe Posch – Owner

SPACE

How will winning this contest help you achieve your business goals?

Quite simply, the amazing thing about winning this contest is that it will cover every expense of opening up a permanent -  exponentially better – version of Hugh.  The first version opened on a budget of under $10,000, and the second was done with about $3,500.  $50,000 creates a store that is well-stocked, has a large variety of merchandise, is properly built-out, and has the budget to create a strong marketing and online store strategy.  These are all things that are essential to creating a sustainable retail business anywhere, but especially in Detroit.

What other Detroit establishment do you most look up to for advice and inspiration?

I’ve been really lucky to have a lot of entrepreneurial friends in the game for a while, so collectively they give a lot of advice and support.  But I think the Detroit business I admire the most is Canine To Five.  Liz Blondy has created an incredible business, and even though it is service-based (and I have always been goods-based) I am always amazed by her drive to promote her business, to grow it in an intelligent manner, and to improve it based on feedback from other professionals and her customers.

Why should people choose your idea over the others?

I think the primary strength of Hugh is it is the only traditional retail business in the final four, and we have an incredible lack of  independent traditional retail in the city.  I love all the other ideas, but Hugh actually brings something different, accessible and needed to its neighborhood.

Additionally, there is no guesswork with timing of liquor licenses, health department inspections, zoning variances, uncertainties in the cost and timing of renovations … Hugh wins Hatch and Hugh is open within a year.  I am not sure any of the other businesses can say with 100% confidence that is the case.

Finally, Hugh is a tried and proven retail concept.  It was very successful both times it was open both financially and in terms of broad appeal.

Have you decided on a space? What neighborhood? And why?

Hugh will go into the new building The Auburn being constructed now on the corner of Cass & Canfield in Midtown.  With my store Mezzanine (when in Ann Arbor and in Detroit) and with Hugh’s previous iterations I always looked at historic spaces, and the character of that is my ideal, but The Auburn offers an excellent location, appropriate square footage for independent retail, and creates a link between the activity on West Willis and the activity on West Canfield.  It really fills in a gap to create an exciting retail area.  Plus I’ve already dumped over $50,000 into renovating historic spaces in Detroit so it will be nice to be able to focus on my main thing, the retail experience.

Also, I’ve chosen Midtown because in my time in Detroit it has really gained retail momentum, and it’s important to build on that.  There is outstanding support from Midtown Detroit (the UCCA) for independent retail, and it is increasingly a destination for living and visiting.  One thing I’ve learned is that no store is an island – you really do benefit from having neighboring businesses.

What is your favorite Detroit hangout?

That’s a tough one because I kind of go anywhere and it kind of depends when I’m hanging out.  As far as regularity goes it’s probably a three-way split between The Park Bar, Honest John’s and Atlas Global Bistro.

Hatch Detroit announced its final four business ideas giving each team a chance to speak and answer questions at a live event put on by Model D called The Next Big Thing. The event was amazing, you can read about my experience here, but the acoustics in the main lobby made it rather difficult to hear the answers. I’ve attempted to contact each of the finalists with a set of five “Spine” questions to learn just a little bit more about each of the ideas.

Remember you can vote once per day until Wednesday, when voting ends. Click here to vote.

Alley Wine

While biking, walking, jogging or driving down Second Avenue in Detroit’s burgeoning Midtown neighborhood, take a quick detour through our alley and find yourself in one of the city’s most enchanting and unassuming destinations: Alley Wine!

Alley Wine is Detroit’s latest casual neighborhood watering hole, with the initial operating hours of 3:00pm to 12:00am, Thursday through Sunday.  The bar will specialize in offering an affordable and rotating selection of wines from around the world, as well as a sampling of meat and cheese pairings.  Occasional unplugged performances by local musicians (our liquor license permits a maximum of ―two entertainers at one time) will contribute to the venue’s relaxed ambiance, without impeding conversation or interfering with the educationally-oriented customerservice sought by those wishing to learn more about wine culture. In addition to our bar and food service, we also plan to supplement our revenue by retailing wine, beer, cheese, salami and other menu items.

Twitter: @alleywine

Facebook: AlleyWine

TEAM MEMBERS:

Lynne Savino – Partner

David Knapp – Partner

Kurt Cieszkowski – Partner

SPACE

How will winning this contest help you achieve your business goals?

There’s a misconception that because our partners have a proven track record of operating successful businesses, and that we own our property outright and debt free that we don’t need the contest prize money.  The prize money will contribute substantially to our start-up costs, however realizing our total vision for the building, our inventory, the property, and the alley will require considerable additional investments that will come from not only our partners but a mix of private investors, other micro loans, and hopefully the Hatch prize.

What other Detroit establishment do you most look up to for advice and inspiration?

From an aesthetic standpoint, we can see some similarity in terms of exterior ambience of what we’re trying to achieve in La Dolce Vita.  During the warmer months of the year, a lot of our business will be focused on using and promoting our outdoor space.  However in terms of product, service and mix of programming and events, we really think that we’re offering something unseen in the region.

Why should people choose your idea over the others?

We own our building/property outright with zero debt.  We’re not operating in a retail space where the rent is being subsidized so that the “numbers work”.  We’ve done our homework, and we’re half-way through our legal and other restrictive hurdles towards opening.  We’ve completed our A/E work for the project.  We have our supply chain hammered down.

We already have people driving by our site asking where the bar is, when will it open.  We have people calling us asking us how to get to the bar.

We’re creating a place that will re-shape the way we envision not only distressed properties, but how we can repurpose obsolete buildings and create new retail experiences.  This vision and model strives to be a catalyst for what other neighborhoods can do with their obsolete, obscure and unassuming spaces that will ultimately transform the Detroit neighborhood retail experience.

Have you decided on a space? What neighborhood? And why?

Yes.  We’ve chosen the building that we own on W. Alexandrine just past the southern fringe of Detroit’s Midtown neighborhood.  The reason we chose this site is because 1) It’s functionally obsolete. 2) Per the city’s zoning ordinance and other factors, it’s economically unfeasible to redevelop our property as a residential property, as it is currently zoned. 3) We firmly believe that it’s a unique idea and setting that can not only cater to the existing neighborhood, but expand the growth and progress of Midtown.

What is your favorite Detroit hangout?

Park Avenue businesses downtown, Mexicantown and Eastern Market.

Hatch Detroit announced its final four business ideas giving each team a chance to speak and answer questions at a live event put on by Model D called The Next Big Thing. The event was amazing, you can read about my experience here, but the acoustics in the main lobby made it rather difficult to hear the answers. I’ve attempted to contact each of the finalists with a set of five “Spine” questions to learn just a little bit more about each of the ideas.

Remember you can vote once per day until Wednesday, when voting ends. Click here to vote.

Woodbridge Gypsy Den & Tea Room

Are you looking for a natural, organic, vegan, local cafe that promotes culture and community?  The Woodbridge Gypsy Den & Tea Room is your answer!

The Woodbridge Gypsy Den & Tea Room, nestled in the Detroit neighborhood of Woodbridge, will be for the people, by the people.  The Den will boast a sociable ambiance, viewed as an attraction to visitors & a sense of place by locals.  The café will offer simple dishes and sweets, teas & espresso, juice, smoothies, beer, wine & catering services.  The focus is all natural, organic, vegan, local.  Upon entering, you will be greeted with an eclectic collection of people as well as vintage furnishings acquired from local thrifts  & estate sales.  The Den renders culture, amity & a commitment to the slow food movement.  Come for a smoothie or juice after a run, a glass of wine & the world’s best vegan mac n’ cheese, or to watch a neighborhood friend play music in the Den.

Making your way to the back, you will see the Tea Room, situated behind a drapery entrance.  The Tea Room has an intimate, clandestine setting, ideal for a pot of tea with a friend, a quirky first date or some quiet time with a book.

Twitter: @WBGypsyDen

Facebook: WBGypsyDenTeaRoom

SPACE

TEAM MEMBERS:

Stephanie Selvaggio – Owner

Christina Selvaggio – Chef

Kyle Suczynski- Tea Guru

Steve McCauley – Contractor

SPACE

How will winning this contest help you achieve your business goals?

Winning the Hatch Detroit contest will help us achieve our goals by giving us a good portion of the start up cash we need (equipment alone is a huge investment) as well as the publicity & professional services that are imperative to the incubating stage of a business.

What other Detroit establishment do you most look up to for advice and inspiration?

We look up to all businesses that have put their heart & soul into providing their product or service to our city. Their passion is our inspiration. In our local, we look up to the Woodbridge Pub, for being a pioneer in the neighborhood & providing a meeting place for the community.

 Why should people choose your idea over the others?

People should choose the idea they believe will make the largest impact on the city.  We’re not here to sell our souls, but we will sell good, clean, locally-sourced food & drinks that make a healthy lifestyle enjoyable & achievable. Our idea makes sense, especially on a community level.  A meeting place for all ages & a hub for wellness, culture, sustainability & community. If you agree that we will make the largest impact, you should vote for us.

 Have you decided on a space? What neighborhood? And why?

We have a few prospective locations. Woodbridge had us at hello. So charming, so alive, and so ready for critical mass. Our idea was created to fill an essential need in a neighborhood capable of supporting 20,000 sq. ft. of restaurants.

 What is your favorite Detroit hangout?

We collectively spread love to all the hangouts.

By Jeffrey Buck

Have you voted yet for the Hatch Detroit idea that you find the most deserving of $50,000? Well, time is running out and the field will soon be narrowing down from 10 semi-finalists to the final four.

Hatch Detroit was the brainchild of Nick Gorga and Ted Balowski, two passionate Detroiters looking to make a difference in their community through business. The long-term goal of Hatch Detroit is to “develop Hatch Detroit into a sustainable organization that can help entrepreneurs in the city of Detroit through funding options, business services, education, and training.”

The contest accepted submissions July 1–September 1. Organizers weren’t necessarily looking for large, complicated ideas but rather unique brick and mortar businesses like a neighborhood coffee shop, yoga studio or art gallery.

From those submissions the Hatch Detroit panel then selected what it felt were the top ideas. These 10 ideas would be the businesses they felt had the best chance of making Detroit a better, more diverse, and more vibrant place to live.

Currently the contest is in Stage Three, in which the Hatch Detroit team has posted their Top 10 semi-finalists. It is now in the hands of Detroiters to vote online for up to four ideas per day that they find to be their favorite.

Here are the business ideas that have reached the semi-finals:

Alley Wine

Twitter: @alleywine    Facebook: AlleyWine

While biking, walking, jogging or driving down Second Avenue in Detroit’s burgeoning Midtown neighborhood, take a quick detour through our alley and find yourself in one of the city’s most enchanting and unassuming destinations: Alley Wine!

Alley Wine is Detroit’s latest casual neighborhood watering hole, with the initial operating hours of 3:00pm to 12:00am, Thursday through Sunday. The bar will specialize in offering an affordable and rotating selection of wines from around the world, as well as a sampling of meat and cheese pairings. Occasional unplugged performances by local musicians (our liquor license permits a maximum of ―two entertainers at one time) will contribute to the venue’s relaxed ambiance, without impeding conversation or interfering with the educationally-oriented customerservice sought by those wishing to learn more about wine culture. In addition to our bar and food service, we also plan to supplement our revenue by retailing wine, beer, cheese, salami and other menu items.

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Anthology Coffee

Twitter: @anthologycoffee    Facebook: AnthologyCoffee

What do you get when you combine the desire to build relationships and community, with the sensory experience of freshly roasted coffee?   Anthology Coffee of course!

Anthology Coffee is a burgeoning coffee roaster built on relationships and community. We believe that investing in the communities we work in – both Detroit and in and around the coffee farms – creates a unique experience for everyone involved. At it’s core Anthology questions what coffee is and how it shapes our lives.

Our goal is to open a cafe/roastery which encompasses both the retail and wholesale operations of the business. It would be an open design that showcases the roasting, the coffee preparation, and allows for educational and special events. It will mostly house communal seating with the idea that coffee breaks down barriers, allowing for conversation.

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Art = Life

Website: detroitdesigncenter.com

Combine two brothers with a love of building things, a desire to open a retail storefront, and their mission statement of One Of A Kind – Detroit Design.  The result?  Art = Life!

Nearly two years ago, the brothers found themselves in an economy that challenged even the best of companies.  At this time the brothers decided that they would design a line of furniture with the intent of opening a furniture store…in Detroit.

They built coffee tables, end tables, dining tables, chairs, cocktail tables, stools, benches and more.

In early 2011, the brothers began to search out locations for their store and fell in love with Midtown Detroit.  They worked with Sue Mosey of the UCCA and Matt Clayson of CCS, even reaching out to the Technology Park and other Detroit incubators. They were chosen as one of few by the DC3 to participate in a program to help young companies grow in the city.

The store they are hoping to open is called ART=LIFE, the story of the Detroit Design Center.

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Detroit Institute of Bagels

Twitter: @dibagels    Facebook: DetroitBagels

Did you know that the City of Detroit has been devoid of anyone selling bagels until very recently? Who knew?  That’s where The Detroit Institute of Bagels comes in!

We will open a bagel bakery, the Detroit Institute of Bagels (DIB), in Detroit. We will make real, boiled and baked, bagels and offer all the standard bagels along with mouthwatering small-batch creations such as bacon cheddar and rosemary-olive oil-sea salt bagels. Our storefront will be a great place to grab a dozen for Sunday brunch, or grab a great bagel sandwich for lunch, or munch on a small-batch bagel while working at your mobile office.

Our idea will work because Detroiters are starved for bagels. There is no other bagel shop in the entire city, but as we’ve seen, through selling from our house and at Eastern Market, there is enough demand to sustain several bagel shops. Also, our combination of great tasting standard bagels with one-of-a-kind varieties will drive many customers from both inside and outside of Detroit. With great tasting food, great service, and exclusive products, the DIB will be another piece to retail revitalization in Detroit!

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Hugh

Facebook: lovehughlongtime 

Inspired by the men’s magazines of the 50s and 60s, Hugh is a store that offers Detroiters a place to find cool stuff for sophisticated living.

With one foot firmly rooted in mid-century “Mad Men” style and the other firmly in the present, Hugh is a store that offers a contemporary take on classic bachelor pad style. Hugh sells all kinds of housewares – glassware, bar and smoking accessories, personal effects, books, furniture, lighting and cool home accessories – with a general masculine focus.  But despite its manly appeal, Hugh offers something for everyone.

If Hugh sounds familiar, it may be because of its far-reaching reputation as the first pop-up shop in the region. First in the Fall of 2009, then again in 2010 as a holiday season pop-up with a winter ski holiday bent. In the world of risky retail ventures in Detroit this model has already proven itself twice. The new and improved plan is to make Hugh a full-time shop!

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Lift – Bubble Love

Twitter: @liftdetroit    Facebook: Lift Detroit

LIFT is proud to present Bubble Love, our concept for a new space in Midtown Detroit that combines a bubble tea café with our passion for designer toys and pop surreal art.  We are excited for the opportunity to become part of the creative energy that’s reshaping Detroit.

Bubble Love will complement the existing retail spaces in the Midtown neighborhood by providing an exciting new destination to shop and a place to hang out, study or work while sipping on tasty bubble teas and smoothies. Our space will have an open layout with a serving bar and customer seating area surrounded by designer toys, original art and apparel by Detroit Manufacturing.

Bubble tea’s popularity has exploded in Asia and has been spreading through the United States. Bubble Love will have a menu featuring several flavors and options including green tea, milk tea, smoothies, juice drinks and of course boba – balls of chewy tapioca that can be added to any drink.  We will also offer Japanese ramune sodas and Asian snack foods. Bubble tea cafes are popular in urban areas and near college campuses, making Midtown a perfect fit for our concept.

Our existing Royal Oak location called Lift Designer Toys & Gallery provides us with knowledge and experience in retail that will help us to launch a successful space in Midtown. We’re determined to continue exploring new concepts that enhance the local community.  The best part of being in retail has been getting to meet so many great customers and working with talented artists from the local community and beyond.

We believe strongly in giving back to the community and we look forward to making connections with non-profits and schools near our new neighborhood.  We have held fundraisers for local charities, the most recent being Mission:Munny, an art exhibit benefiting The Art Experience community art studio.  We have also worked with some great Detroit organizations including Better Detroit Youth Movement and provided mentorship for students from University Prep Academy high school.

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Little Dove Bakeshop

Facebook: LittleDoveBakeshop

What do you get when you combine spirit, heart, integrity, and the most delicious baked goods you’ve ever had?  Little Dove Bakeshop of course!

Little Dove Bakeshop is a custom cakery offering everything from petite French macaroons to eight tiered wedding cakes.  What started out of a kitchen in Ferndale has now exploded with regular clients such as MOCAD, Wayne State University, The Parade Company, The DMC and countless other wonderful places in the metro area and the US!  The wonderful people and businesses of Detroit have already embraced little Dove Bakeshop.  So, now that it’s time to expand, Detroit is the only place I would ever consider to make our nest and get to work.

Little Dove Bakeshop will be a glowing example of Detroit and what sets us apart from other cities.  Since the beginning Little Dove has developed a business model we call profit with a purpose.  Profit with a purpose is a commitment that each month a portion of the profits from all sales, big and small, will go to a different designated monthly “cause”.  The decided cause has been anything from paying for prescription medication for an uninsured family to helping the local bookstore make the rent.  Thus far Little Dove Bakeshop has purchased a pair of rain barrels for two public schools, helped Georgia Street Community Center purchase a new furnace, purchased a plane ticket for a neighbor’s ill relative to come from Ethiopia, furbished fully stocked backpacks for five local classrooms… and the list goes on.

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Pot & Box: Detroit

Twitter: @potandbox    Facebook: PotBox

What do you get when you combine the passion of someone who’s been getting their fingernails dirty their whole life, with a driving desire to open a sustainable, creative business in the City of Detroit?  Pot & Box: Detroit of course!

Pot & Box: Detroit will be a friendly force of local creativity, utilizing floral & garden design to interact with its community; to enable its employees to live an inspired life; and to better its industry through ecologically and educationally friendly practices.  More specifically, we will offer a selection of fresh cut flowers, container gardening plants & supplies, and assorted horticultural lovelies through a storefront in Detroit’s Midtown or Corktown neighborhoods.

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The Workroom

Twitter: @workroomD    Facebook: WorkroomDetroit

Did you know that Detroit is becoming a hot bed of fashion, and desperately in need of a garment district dedicated to the support and encouragement of apparel businesses?  Well it’s true, and the WORKROOM is hoping to take the first step!

The goal of the WORKROOM is to establish a space that is more than just a retail space.  The concept would emphasize fashion and apparel from the sample/product development phase, all the way through to the retail storefront.  The WORKROOM could become a model for other independent design labels to use, as they improve upon the structure of their own businesses.  Development of these types of label facilities builds toward distribution, which then leads to a demand for production needs.  Those key factors create the district and push it to thrive.

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Woodbridge Gypsy Den & Tea Room

Twiiter: @WBGypsyDen    Facebook: WBGypsyDenTeaRoom

Are you looking for a natural, organic, vegan, local cafe that promotes culture and community?  TheWoodbridge Gypsy Den & Tea Room is your answer!

The Woodbridge Gypsy Den & Tea Room, nestled in the Detroit neighborhood of Woodbridge, will be for the people, by the people.  The Den will boast a sociable ambiance, viewed as an attraction to visitors & a sense of place by locals.  The café will offer simple dishes and sweets, teas & espresso, juice, smoothies, beer, wine & catering services.  The focus is all natural, organic, vegan, local.  Upon entering, you will be greeted with an eclectic collection of people as well as vintage furnishings acquired from local thrifts  & estate sales.  The Den renders culture, amity & a commitment to the slow food movement.  Come for a smoothie or juice after a run, a glass of wine & the world’s best vegan mac n’ cheese, or to watch a neighborhood friend play music in the Den.

Making your way to the back, you will see the Tea Room, situated behind a drapery entrance.  The Tea Room has an intimate, clandestine setting, ideal for a pot of tea with a friend, a quirky first date or some quiet time with a book.

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The “Hatch Off” follow Stage Three and will take place at Model D Media’s The Next Big Thing on October 21 at 8 p.m. The four finalists who escape the voting will get in front of a panel of national and local judges for a five-minute pitch presentation followed by a Q & A session with the panel and the audience, like a Detroit-version of the popular television show Shark Tank.

Hatch Detroit will be live streaming the event online for the world to see. After the teams have a chance to pitch their ideas the voting will occur once more online and the public will ultimately choose the winner.

Take some time and read up about each of the businesses and be sure to vote for your favorites before time runs out. Be sure to check out information about the live event here.PACE