Programs & Grants
Explore StartUp Hutch’s programs and grant opportunities designed to help Reno County entrepreneurs start, grow, and strengthen their businesses. From hands-on workshops to funding opportunities, these resources connect business owners with practical support, local insight, and a community ready to help them move forward.
JUMP©+AI
Learn the fundamentals of starting and running a business through the Entrepreneurship Business Basics JUMP© +AI program. Through this 12-week course, you will transform your business from idea to launch.
Led by facilitator Kira Cheree’ Cobb, the program covers essential business fundamentals, practical tools, and local resources to help participants start, operate, and grow with confidence. This year’s course will also include updated content on how to leverage AI for your small business, including practical ways to save time, strengthen marketing, improve operations, and make more informed decisions.
On the last day of the course, a pitch contest will be held with the winner earning $1,000 to help make your business a reality.
Program Details
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Starts Monday, August 24, 6:00-8:00 pm
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Class meets each Monday for 12 weeks
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Ends Monday, November 16, featuring a pitch contest with a $1,000 grand prize, plus participation awards
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Hybrid Classes - Classes will meet in person on Weeks 1, 6 and 12 and via Zoom all other weeks
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Week 1 - Program Kick-off (Location - The Peel Center, 1 E. 9th, Hutchinson)
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Week 4 - Kansas State Fair Business Tour (Location: Kansas State Fairgrounds, Hutchinson)
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Week 12 - Pitch Contest (Location - Justice Theatre at Shears Technology Center, 1300 N. Plum St, Hutchinson)
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Program Cost
$100 ($700 value). A $50 deposit will be returned upon successful completion of the program. Limited scholarships available.
Registration
Open June 1 through July 31
Rural Business Resilience & Expansion Initiative Microgrants
StartUp Hutch’s Rural Business Resilience & Expansion Microgrant Initiative supports existing small businesses in rural Reno County communities. Eligible businesses may apply for grants of up to $2,500 to support expansion, activate underutilized spaces, strengthen essential services, or address local industry gaps.
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Applications are open and accepted on a rolling basis.
Housing Entrepreneurship Program
StartUp Hutch’s Housing Entrepreneurship Program is a new two-year pilot program designed to help local contractors and skilled trades professionals launch and grow sustainable businesses—strengthening Reno County’s capacity to build and renovate housing.
 
Made possible through a grant from the Hutchinson Community Foundation, this initiative is now launching; if you’re interested in learning more or getting involved, fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch.
StartUp Rural Workshops
StartUp Hutch’s Rural Entrepreneurship Workshops bring practical business support directly to rural communities across Reno County. Designed for small business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, and community members, these hands-on workshops explore business basics, local opportunities, helpful resources, and next steps for starting or growing a business.
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This program is funded by the Hutchinson Community Foundation.
Entrepreneurship Connections
Entrepreneurship Connections brings Reno County entrepreneurs, small business owners, and community leaders together to learn, connect, and share ideas. Each event features practical insight from local speakers, opportunities to build relationships, and conversations designed to support business growth at every stage.
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Held monthly on the fourth Tuesday at Sandhills Brewing, this program helps entrepreneurs stay connected to resources, inspiration, and the local support network they need to keep moving forward.