Exciting Opportunity for Aspiring Entrepreneurs and Local Businesses in the East Midlands!
After a hugely successful 2025, we’re delighted to announce the return of the Hatch competition, giving small businesses the chance to win twelve weeks of rent-free retail space at Derbion. This year, the prize has doubled in value, offering an even greater opportunity to accelerate your business growth and gain visibility in a prime retail location.
Alongside the rent-free space, the winning business will also receive free marketing support from Derbion, helping to boost brand awareness and drive customer engagement throughout the tenancy.
How to Apply
Entrepreneurs and independent businesses have until Sunday 29th March to submit their applications using the form below. Shortlisted applicants will then be invited to pitch, with the winner announced shortly afterwards. The successful business will open its rent‑free Derbion space in the following months.
Now in its seventh year, the Hatch competition has delivered incredible success since launching in 2019. Previous winners, including Design 44, Spirit Crystals and 1NE, continue to thrive at the centre today. The initiative has also helped launch the first physical retail spaces for a number of much‑loved local brands, such as Project D, The Hair Repair Club, Katie Astle and Bake Me A Wish.
Don’t miss your chance to take your business to the next level!
