MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
Startup Hutch Executive Director Graham Klemme says his first six months on the job have exceeded every expectation, thanks to what he calls an “exceptionally supportive and entrepreneur-minded” Reno County community. Klemme joined The BW Morning Show this week, highlighting a whirlwind end to 2025 that included regional travel, new programming, and major long-term economic planning efforts.
Klemme, who began the role in May, said the community’s willingness to collaborate has been unlike anything he has experienced in other markets.
“The support of our community leaders—the Community Foundation, the Chamber, the city—has been tremendous,” he said. “The entrepreneurial appetite of this community is exceptional. We’re busy constantly.”
Klemme noted that Startup Hutch’s monthly Entrepreneurship Connection gathering on Tuesday night featured guest speaker Mark Buckley, longtime small business consultant and now owner of The Toy Depot in downtown Hutchinson.
Buckley, who spent years with the Small Business Development Center before transitioning into retail, now employs 12 people and has grown a robust online sales operation that rivals in-store business.
“He’s supplanted his brick-and-mortar business with online sales. That’s how successful they’ve been,” Klemme said. “Mark is a great guy and a great example of what’s possible.”
Rural Road Show Launches Next Week in Buhler
Startup Hutch will launch its new rural workshop series next Tuesday, Dec. 16, beginning in Buhler at the newly opened 1888 Room at 215 N. Main. The event, made possible through a Hutchinson Community Foundation grant, aims to deliver hands-on entrepreneurial training directly into smaller communities across Reno County.
The first session will focus on small-business basics and feature guest speaker Justin Bright of BFO Bids.
“We really want to have a conversation with stakeholders throughout Buhler about how to support the small-business economy,” Klemme said. “This is our first in a series across the county, and we’re excited to partner with community leaders like Lauren Mathes and new business owners like Andrea Fulmer.”
Fulmer recently opened The 1888 Room, a venue and boutique in downtown Buhler.
Economic Development Plan Sets Five-Year Vision
Klemme said one of the defining developments of 2025 has been the completion of Hutchinson and Reno County’s new economic development strategic plan—an effort led by the city, county, Chamber, Community Foundation, Greater Hutch, and Startup Hutch.
“It’s a unique moment in time,” Klemme said. “This plan aligns numerous stakeholders on a shared vision for the next five years.”
The plan, created with guidance from consultant Amy Holloway, is now paired with Elevate Reno County, a combined fundraising and action campaign designed to drive long-term business and workforce growth.
Heartland Forward to Visit Hutchinson January 13
Klemme also discussed his recent trip to Oklahoma City for Heartland Forward’s Big Best for America Conference. The nonprofit—founded by the Walton family and supported by partners including the Rockefeller Foundation—announced a new Center for Investment Readiness initiative.
Hutchinson was selected as one of only three pilot communities, along with Perry and Enid, Oklahoma.
“It was remarkable to see Deborah Teufel from the Chamber on stage with governors, senators and national economic leaders,” Klemme said. “Heartland Forward will provide proprietary data tools, dashboards and policy support that will help us generate economic activity in the region.”
The group will visit Hutchinson on Jan. 13.
Supporting Business Transitions as Owners Retire
Klemme noted an increasing number of longtime business owners preparing for retirement—many hoping to sell their businesses to new owners or next-generation family members.
“This is an often overlooked part of entrepreneurship, but it’s inevitable,” he said. “We’re passionate about keeping businesses in business.”
Startup Hutch offers free assistance with succession planning, valuation preparation and transition readiness, supported by partners at the Small Business Development Center.
“Businesses have value beyond real estate,” Klemme added. “There’s a whole generation of younger operators looking for opportunities.”
Klemme said Startup Hutch will end 2025 with momentum and head into the new year focused on rural outreach, business development, and maximizing new data-driven partnerships.
“We’re grateful for how the community has welcomed us,” he said. “And we’re excited for the work ahead.”