MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — StartUp Hutch is continuing to broaden its reach across Reno County, rolling out new initiatives aimed at strengthening small businesses, supporting entrepreneurs and revitalizing rural communities.
Executive Director Graham Klemme outlined several upcoming efforts during a recent interview, highlighting a growing emphasis on community-based entrepreneurship and regional collaboration.
One of the next major events is part of StartUp Hutch’s rural workshop series, with a stop scheduled in Arlington later this month. The workshop is designed to bring entrepreneurial resources and support directly into smaller communities.
“These workshops are about meeting people where they are,” Klemme said. “In a small town, even one or two new businesses can completely change the local economy.”
Klemme said previous workshops in communities like Buhler and Haven have drawn between 10 and 20 participants — a strong turnout for rural areas. He emphasized that small business development in those communities often has a significant impact, creating jobs and providing gathering places that become central to community life.
In addition to rural outreach, StartUp Hutch is participating in a new statewide initiative aimed at strengthening local music ecosystems. Hutchinson was recently selected to join the “Sound Music Cities” program through the Kansas Arts Commission.
The initiative connects cities across Kansas to collaborate on ways to support musicians, grow audiences and better organize local music infrastructure. It also provides access to shared data, regular collaboration meetings and the opportunity to apply for up to $5,000 in funding for music-related projects.
Klemme said the effort comes at an important time, as many communities — including Hutchinson — continue rebuilding their live music scenes following the COVID-19 pandemic.
“There used to be a very strong music scene here,” he said. “Getting everyone aligned and working together again could have a big impact.”
StartUp Hutch is continuing to build their housing entrepreneurship program aimed at individuals in the skilled trades. The program is currently in an exploratory phase, with organizers gathering feedback from potential participants ahead of a projected summer launch.
The initiative is intended to help address housing needs while also creating new business opportunities.
Another key effort involves a new partnership with the Hutchinson Community Foundation to provide small business grants across Reno County. The program is expected to award at least six grants of up to $2,500 each to businesses that address specific community needs.
Klemme said even modest funding can have a meaningful impact for entrepreneurs.
“A little bit of money can go a long way with the right person,” he said.
StartUp Hutch has also secured a two-year, $25,000 Pathways grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas. The funding will support multiple cohorts of the “Who Owns the Ice House” program, which focuses on developing an entrepreneurial mindset.
Future cohorts may include participants interested in social entrepreneurship, rural business development and individuals seeking upward economic mobility through entrepreneurship.
Klemme said the organization continues to adapt its programming to meet the evolving needs of the region, with a focus on long-term, locally driven economic growth.
“Our goal is to create opportunities for people to start and grow businesses that make a real impact in their communities,” he said.