Ten finalists have been selected for the second annual Hatch Bloomington business pitch competition, with the winner receiving $100,000 to establish a brick-and-mortar business in the city.

The finalists include Batsu Bloomington, Bloomington Farm and Feed, Bookmother, Hearts and Spades, Hotbox Pies, Nuna, The Chocolate Bar, Twin City Streetcar, The Plug Mobile, and Veterans Post Provisions. The competitors will present their business proposals at Bloomington Civic Plaza on Aug. 6, where community members can vote for their preferred business.

The city continues supporting small businesses through its partnership with Launch Minnesota, hosting monthly Welcoming Wednesdays sessions. The next session is scheduled for Aug. 13 from noon to 2 p.m. at Civic Plaza, offering free resources and networking opportunities for entrepreneurs and startup owners.

Residents can sign up to host block parties for National Night Out on Aug. 5, an annual community-building event featuring visits from Bloomington police officers and firefighters. The city coordinates staff visits to registered block parties throughout the community.

A new mural project is underway at the renovated Bloomington Ice Garden, with Minnesota artist Adam Turman selected to create the design titled "Meant to Be Here." The city's Office of Creative Placemaking is seeking community feedback on the mural design before the building's fall reopening.