Resources
Know Your Location to Reach Your Destination
We’ve got all the resources and connections you need to take the next step on your startup journey. But first, it may be helpful to determine where you’re currently at. We’ve created this map to help you understand where you are on the journey, and the steps it will take to get where you’re going.
How to Engage with StartUp Hutch:
After you’ve identified where you’re at on The StartUp Journey, check out some of the tools and resources available to you through our entrepreneur network.
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LocalThe Hot Seat – The HotSeat by StartUp Hutch combines storytelling with practical advice about business by sitting down with real Reno county residents and asking them questions about their entrepreneurial journey. StartUp Hutch Idea Exchange – Get Connected to Reno County’s community through this online Facebook group where local entrepreneurs can share ideas and ask questions Hutchinson Library Makerspace – The Makerspace is a place that provides new opportunities to the community by making tools, materials, special equipment, and skilled individuals accessible. It’s a fun, creative place for people to share and develop their abilities, explore their passions, and help inspire others to do the same. People in our community can host events, provide mentorship to those who seek it, collaborate on projects/ideas, and more. Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber – The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce provides networking and educational opportunities for business owners, stakeholders, leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators. Greater Hutch – Greater Hutch, the economic development office for Reno County, is focused on ensuring that every business is set up for success by providing the information, tools, resources, and support needed. Many of these tools are available online, however they are also available to provide one-on-one support. City of Hutchinson – The Planning and Zoning Department for the City of Hutchinson can assist with zoning and development requests, as well as offer guidance on the permits and applications that are needed for your business.
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Regional and StateSouth Central Kansas Economic Development District (SCKEDD) – SCKEDD partners with communities in South Central Kansas to create new commercial opportunities, finance innovative community projects and enhance community housing to attract and support a skills-based workforce. Network Kansas – This statewide network of non-profit business-building resources helps entrepreneurs and small startup business owners grow successful businesses. SCORE – SCORE is a network of volunteer, expert business mentors dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals. Kansas Department of Commerce – The state of Kansas offers several programs and services that can be tailored to meet your needs that make locating and expanding in the state a smart decision. Kansas Secretary of State’s Office – The Kansas Secretary of State’s website offers serval business resources including access to business forms and trademark information, as well as how to setup and maintain your business entity with the state of Kansas.
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NationalSmall Business Association (SBA) – The SBA is the only cabinet-level federal agency fully dedicated to small business and provides counseling, capital, and contracting expertise as the nation’s only go-to resource and voice for small businesses.
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FinancialSouth Central Kansas Economic Development District (SCKEDD) – SCKEDD provides business loans as well as grants for communities, housing renovation and weatherization. Small Business Association (SBA) LOANS – From standard loans, to investment capital, disaster assistance, surety bonds and grants, the SBA has many funding options. E-Community Loans – A partnership with NetWork Kansas, the E-Community program is a locally-administered loan fund to help encourage entrepreneurial small business development and retention in Hutchinson and Reno county. Qualifying entrepreneurial projects include startup businesses, existing business purchases, or existing businesses desiring to invest in expansion. Contact us for more information and how to apply.
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NetworkingStartUp Hutch Idea Exchange – Join StartUp Hutch's Idea Exchange to help inspire, get inspired, and connect with other entrepreneurs in our community. Entrepreneurial Connections – These free events hosted by StartUp Hutch provides entrepreneurs with the chance to mingle with other startup owners and entrepreneurs in the community. Visit our News & Events page for more information on upcoming events. Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber – The Hutch Chamber provides several networking building opportunities to meet fellow business leaders in the community.
Kansas Business One Stop
Whether your business is getting started, making changes, growing or expanding, the Kansas Business One Stop is your one-stop-shop for interacting with Kansas government. Here you can learn how to organize a business, locate information and resources needed to start or maintain a business, and more.
The Right Resources, All Right Here
No matter your business’ challenge, our community of entrepreneurs is here to provide guidance along the way. Whether it's finding the right funding, or help with business planning, we have your connections! And remember, you’re never alone in your startup journey. Reach out to Jackson Swearer, Entrepreneur Navigator and Program Director, with any questions along the way.
Below you’ll find a curated collection of links to local, state and national resources, as well as general information. We’re always looking to update and improve our resource library, so let us know if you have any additions.
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LocalThe Hot Seat – The HotSeat by StartUp Hutch combines storytelling with practical advice about business by sitting down with real Reno county residents and asking them questions about their entrepreneurial journey. StartUp Hutch Idea Exchange – Get Connected to Reno County’s community through this online Facebook group where local entrepreneurs can share ideas and ask questions Hutchinson Library Makerspace – The Makerspace is a place that provides new opportunities to the community by making tools, materials, special equipment, and skilled individuals accessible. It’s a fun, creative place for people to share and develop their abilities, explore their passions, and help inspire others to do the same. People in our community can host events, provide mentorship to those who seek it, collaborate on projects/ideas, and more. Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber – The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce provides networking and educational opportunities for business owners, stakeholders, leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators. Greater Hutch – Greater Hutch, the economic development office for Reno County, is focused on ensuring that every business is set up for success by providing the information, tools, resources, and support needed. Many of these tools are available online, however they are also available to provide one-on-one support. City of Hutchinson – The Planning and Zoning Department for the City of Hutchinson can assist with zoning and development requests, as well as offer guidance on the permits and applications that are needed for your business.
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Regional and StateSouth Central Kansas Economic Development District (SCKEDD) – SCKEDD partners with communities in South Central Kansas to create new commercial opportunities, finance innovative community projects and enhance community housing to attract and support a skills-based workforce. Network Kansas – This statewide network of non-profit business-building resources helps entrepreneurs and small startup business owners grow successful businesses. SCORE – SCORE is a network of volunteer, expert business mentors dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals. Kansas Department of Commerce – The state of Kansas offers several programs and services that can be tailored to meet your needs that make locating and expanding in the state a smart decision. Kansas Secretary of State’s Office – The Kansas Secretary of State’s website offers serval business resources including access to business forms and trademark information, as well as how to setup and maintain your business entity with the state of Kansas.
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NationalSmall Business Association (SBA) – The SBA is the only cabinet-level federal agency fully dedicated to small business and provides counseling, capital, and contracting expertise as the nation’s only go-to resource and voice for small businesses.
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FinancialSouth Central Kansas Economic Development District (SCKEDD) – SCKEDD provides business loans as well as grants for communities, housing renovation and weatherization. Small Business Association (SBA) LOANS – From standard loans, to investment capital, disaster assistance, surety bonds and grants, the SBA has many funding options. E-Community Loans – A partnership with NetWork Kansas, the E-Community program is a locally-administered loan fund to help encourage entrepreneurial small business development and retention in Hutchinson and Reno county. Qualifying entrepreneurial projects include startup businesses, existing business purchases, or existing businesses desiring to invest in expansion. Contact us for more information and how to apply.
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NetworkingStartUp Hutch Idea Exchange – Join StartUp Hutch's Idea Exchange to help inspire, get inspired, and connect with other entrepreneurs in our community. Entrepreneurial Connections – These free events hosted by StartUp Hutch provides entrepreneurs with the chance to mingle with other startup owners and entrepreneurs in the community. Visit our News & Events page for more information on upcoming events. Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber – The Hutch Chamber provides several networking building opportunities to meet fellow business leaders in the community.
Advice on Construction and Avoiding Code Issues
With Jon Richardson
Jon is a co-owner of Richardson Brothers Construction, Inc., and a member of the Hutchinson Planning Commission. His main advice: communicate early and often.
How to Find Funding for Your Business
With Daniel Friesen
Daniel Friesen, Founder and Chief Innovation Officer at IdeaTek, knows how hard it can be to find funding for your start-up business. Daniel shares some helpful tips to help you navigate one of the most complex components of entrepreneurship.
Marketing your StartUp Business
With Lori Bower
Before you spend any time, money, or energy on "random acts of marketing" always start with a plan. Lori is the President of BowerComm, a Hutchinson-based strategic marketing agency.
Choosing the Right E-Commerce Platform
With Pippin Williamson
Pippin is the owner and operator of Sand Hills Brewing, but got his start as an entrepreneur at Sand Hills Development, where he specialized in e-commerce and marketing tools.
