Bloomington’s entrepreneurial scene just got a bit more literate with the announcement that BookMother, a concept by local entrepreneur Twila Dang, has clinched the 2025 Hatch Bloomington business pitch competition, landing a $100,000 prize to help kickstart the bookstore cum coffee shop venture, this unique blend of literature and lattes is a testament to Dang’s vision and the city’s support for small business innovation.
The competition saw Dang’s concept rise through the ranks with two rounds of community voting and critical judgment by a seven-member panel assessing at various stages, including Top 25, Top 10, and finally, the Top 3, where BookMother emerged victorious, according to a statement on the City of Bloomington’s official website.
BookMother aims to be more than just a store, envisioned as a modern ‘third space’ where curated books and light fare meet robust community programming, Dang designs the space to resonate with the “Auntie” archetype, a convener of generations and disseminator of ideas, welcoming anyone who walks in with curiosity or a craving for community connection, Twila Dang expressed her passion for her project during the contest, “I’m passionate about this business because it’s more than a business to me. It’s a love letter to my hometown. It’s a space I wish had existed when I was younger, and a space I know my neighbors and community members are ready for now,” she said, according to the City of Bloomington.
The award will go towards securing a location, outfitting the bookstore, and ensuring a ready supply of books and programming for Bloomington’s residents. It represents not only a boon for Dang’s aspirations but also fulfills the City’s goal of fostering a remarkable community space where residents feel welcomed, a sentiment echoed by Mayor Tim Busse who espoused the fit of Hatch Bloomington’s goals with the city’s vision, when he spoke on fostering a community “where people want to be,” according to the City of Bloomington.
Hatch Bloomington has been garnering attention beyond city limits, attracting applicants from across the nation, all vying to be a part of Bloomington’s community enrichment. The contest is in its sophomore year now, following the previous winner, Scramblin’ Egg, which successfully opened a breakfast food cart turned restaurant earlier this year, as highlighted in the City of Bloomington’s news release.
