27th Letter Books Wins $100,000 Hatch Detroit Competition

Drew and Erin Pineda of 27th Letter Books

Congratulations to 27th Letter Books' co-owners Drew and Erin Pineda, who won the $100,000 startup funds grant in this year's Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest to open storefront in the city. Out of nearly 450 submissions to this year's competition, 27th Letter Books garnered enough public votes to survive through the semifinalist and finalist rounds before participating last night in a Shark Tank-style "Hatch Off." The independent bookstore aims to open a bricks-and-mortar location in Detroit's Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood.

On Hatch Detroit's contest website, the Pinedas said their mission is "to connect and inspire people through stories.... Participating in the Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest is a remarkable opportunity to deepen our roots in Detroit and its community of creative entrepreneurs. As Air Force veterans, we have lived and traveled across the world, exploring what it means to belong. Michigan is the first place we have ever chosen as our home, and we are immensely thankful for the ability to share and further our dream through a contest built to support the local community."

In addition to the $100,000 business grant from Comerica Bank, the booksellers also receive a package of more than $200,000 in pro bono counsel from Hatch Detroit and its partners, including architectural, IT, legal and public relations services.

"We know we'll see great things from 27th Letter Books and their contributions to the small business community here in the city," said Vittoria Katanski, executive director of Hatch Detroit. "This year's Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest was incredibly close. We look forward to supporting 27th Letter Books alongside each of our Top 10 semifinalists as they work toward opening their doors."

Michael T. Ritchie, Comerica Bank Michigan president, commented: "We were so thrilled to see all of the excitement build around this year's Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest. Everybody and I at Comerica Bank congratulate 27th Letter Books on this distinct honor, and whenever they open their doors, we'll be there to root them on--knowing they will surely be providing an exceptional economic impact to the Jefferson Chalmers community. We have no doubt they will be a valuable addition to the city's growing independent small business environment."

Powered by: Xtenit