MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — StartUp Hutch continues to expand its entrepreneurship initiatives in Reno County, with new programming aimed at economic mobility, youth innovation, and community engagement, according to Executive Director Graham Klemme.
Klemme recently was part of the team that hosted representatives of the Heartland Regional in Hutchinson, calling the visit a success.
“It was awesome to have them in town and experience Hutchinson firsthand,” Klemme said. “Now they can advocate on our behalf because they’ve seen what our community has to offer.”
One of StartUp Hutch’s major initiatives launching later this month is the “Who Owns the Ice House?” program, a pre-entrepreneurship course focused on developing entrepreneurial thinking and mindset. The program is specifically designed for individuals living below the ALICE threshold — households that are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed.
The eight-week cohort begins January 29 and runs through March, meeting Thursday evenings. The program will serve up to 10 participants, with meals provided. Klemme said the goal is to use entrepreneurship as a pathway to upward economic mobility.
“This isn’t just about starting a business,” he said. “It’s about learning how to think and act like an entrepreneur — skills that can improve career paths, problem-solving, and overall stability.”
The program is funded through the Pathways Program at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, in partnership with the Reno County Health Department.
Deadline to register for the program is Monday, Jan. 26.
StartUp Hutch is also gearing up for its annual Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge, with registration deadlines approaching in early February. The countywide competition culminates in a public trade show and pitch event on March 10 at the Stringer Fine Arts Center.
Klemme said he and his team have been visiting local high schools across Reno County to encourage participation, including stops in Nickerson, Hutchinson, Haven, and upcoming visits to Buhler.
“This is for any student who wants to explore an idea or test something they’re already doing,” Klemme said. “It could be mowing lawns, raking yards, or a creative project. It looks great on college applications and gives students real-world experience.”
StartUp Hutch also recently launched a podcast, “The Hot Seat,” featuring conversations with local entrepreneurs. Recent episodes include interviews with Marc Buckley of The Toy Depot, with an upcoming episode featuring Joey Ward of Hutch Connect.
In addition, StartUp Hutch will host its monthly Entrepreneur Connections networking event on Tuesday, January 27, at 5:30 p.m. at Sandhills Brewing. The featured speaker will be Brad Pryor, a local franchise owner and real estate developer known for operating multiple Papa John’s locations.
Klemme said the event offers an opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to learn from experienced business leaders and connect with others in the local startup ecosystem.
More information about StartUp Hutch programs and events is available at startuphutch.com.