Startup Hutch Expands Resources for Local Entrepreneurs
Startup Hutch is rolling out a series of new programs and opportunities aimed at supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs across Reno County.
Executive Director Graham Klemme said the organization is working to connect local founders with both regional and statewide resources. Among them is the return of monthly business consulting with Brandy Willett of the Kansas Small Business Development Center at Wichita State University. Willett will be available at the Hutchinson Public Library on the third Friday of each month for one-on-one advising sessions.
Klemme also highlighted the Excel Kansas microgrant program, which offers awards ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 for high-growth, technology-based business ideas. Reno County has been allocated one of the grants. The program is a partnership between the Kansas Department of Commerce and Groover Labs in Wichita, providing recipients with funding, coworking access, and prototyping support.
Startup Hutch continues to host its monthly Entrepreneur Connections event on the fourth Tuesday at Sandhills Brewing, where local business owners and support professionals gather to network. This month’s featured entrepreneur is Kendall Evans of NACL Comic Cons and NACL Studio.
Looking ahead, Klemme said Hutchinson businesses can take part in Launch Week, a rebranded version of Wichita Startup Week, scheduled for Sept. 29 through Oct. 3. The weeklong event features pitch competitions, networking opportunities and startup workshops.
Startup Hutch is also preparing to host an AI for Small Businesses workshop on Oct. 24 at Wool Market & DIY School in downtown Hutchinson. The session, led by Wichita State’s Troy Tabor, will demonstrate practical applications of artificial intelligence tools for entrepreneurs.
In addition, the organization has launched StartupHutch.online, a new web hosting service designed to reduce costs for small businesses. The platform provides templated websites built on WordPress for a nominal fee, helping businesses establish a professional online presence without the expense of a standard subscription.
“We want to remove as many barriers as possible,” Klemme said. “From digital tools to networking events, our goal is to make sure local entrepreneurs have the support they need to succeed.”
Entrepreneurs interested in learning more can email Klemme at [email protected] or visit the Startup Hutch office at 9th and Main in Hutchinson.