Finding Support and Guidance as a Startup

Today's guests are the five finalists for the Comerica Hatch Detroit contest. All of these aspiring entrepreneurs are competing for $100,000 in startup funds from Comerica Bank, as well as $200,000 in pro bono support from Hatch Detroit and its partners, to open a brick and mortar business in Detroit, Hamtramck or Highland Park.

The five finalists vying to take home $100,000 in this year's Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest are:

• 27th Letter Books: an independent bookstore and audio recording space. Their mission is to connect and inspire people through stories, highlighting excellent writing and underrepresented voices.

• Brix Wine and Charcuterie: a gathering place in the Liv/7 neighborhood built on the love of wine, offering a curated wine and small plates menu along with Brix Concierge, a wine curation service.

• ILERA Apothecary: an organic and vegan beauty tech company catering to customers who want the highest quality ingredients in their skin products, without compromising the environment or their budget. ILERA is expected to open a retail store in Detroit containing a curation of skincare items that are carefully sourced and made without toxic ingredients.

• Street Beet: a 100-percent vegan food pop-up based in Detroit pairing creativity and passion to offer a dining experience that is approachable and delicious for all. Street Beet hopes to eventually open a brick and mortar space to provide Detroiters with affordable and nostalgic vegan comfort food – with a focus on allergen-friendly options.

• The French Cow: started as a pop-up when owner Marie Wallace moved to Detroit after realizing there wasn't food here that she grew up eating in France. Currently a popup at Eastern Market, The French Cow aims to open a brick and mortar space serving crepes, cheese, ice creams and other French cuisines in authentic French environment.

Connect with Jon Dwoskin:

Website: http://jondwoskin.com/

Twitter: @jdwoskin

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.dwoskin

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Thejondwoskinexperience/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jondwoskin/

Email: jon@jondwoskin.com