By SEAN BOSTON
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — StartUp Hutch is expanding its reach across Reno County thanks to a $9,000 grant from the Hutchinson Community Foundation. The funding will support a series of workshops in smaller communities aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and economic development.
Executive Director Graham Klemme said the grant will fund five three-hour workshops over the next year in towns including Arlington, Pretty Prairie, Buhler, Haven, Nickerson and South Hutchinson.
“We’ll focus on small business fundamentals,” Klemme said. “All are welcome. You don’t have to be a small business owner to attend, although we do hope to train some entrepreneurs. The idea is to spur discussion and help people understand how we can support our local economy.”
Klemme said the effort will strengthen StartUp Hutch’s countywide presence and build relationships that can lead to ongoing development initiatives.
“We actually serve the entire county, which some people don’t realize,” Klemme said. “This gives us a chance to get out there, meet people face-to-face and start conversations about how we can work together.”
The workshops will be free to attend, with no registration or supply fees required. In addition to the new sessions, participants will have access to follow-up coaching and mentorship opportunities through StartUp Hutch’s existing programs.
Klemme said the organization’s mentorship network connects local entrepreneurs with experienced community members who can provide guidance in areas such as business planning, financial management and marketing.
“Sometimes it’s just listening to people talk through their ideas,” Klemme said. “Other times, it’s connecting them to the right resources or helping refine a business plan.”
StartUp Hutch also administers low-interest loan programs through a partnership with Network Kansas. The “E-Community” loans provide gap financing for startups, matching up to 150% of a bank’s contribution with a cap of $50,000. Interest rates range from 4% for loans under five years to 6% for longer terms.
“These loans are designed for startups, so we don’t require two years of operating history,” Klemme said. “Our goal is to help businesses get off the ground in partnership with local banks.”
The organization also collaborates with Brandy Willett, director of the Small Business Development Center at Wichita State University, to connect entrepreneurs with federal SBA-backed resources and specialized coaching.
Klemme said StartUp Hutch’s next major event will be an AI for Small Business Workshop on Friday, Oct. 24 at 8 a.m. at The Wool Market & DIY School, 5th and Main in Hutchinson. The event will feature Troy Tabor, Wichita State’s Director of Innovation and Intelligence, discussing practical ways small businesses can integrate artificial intelligence tools.
“It’s open to anyone interested, not just business owners,” Klemme said. “We’re excited to host it and appreciate our partners at NXTUS in Wichita for helping make it possible.”
More information about StartUp Hutch’s programs, workshops and loan opportunities can be found on its Facebook page or at startuphutch.com.