Grants at Work: StartUp Hutch

When StartUp Hutch heard that residents wanted stronger support for small businesses, entrepreneurship, and local economic growth, they got right to work planning conversations in communities across the county to learn more about what it would take to make progress.

Funded by a $9,000 grant from the Fund for Reno County of Hutchinson Community Foundation in 2025, the StartUp Hutch team has since held workshops in Arlington, Buhler, Haven, Pretty Prairie and South Hutchinson.

In Buhler, the conversation centered around the desire for more gathering spaces, restaurants, and downtown activity. In Haven, residents discussed revitalizing underutilized downtown properties, creating a more business-friendly environment, and finding ways to capture more traffic and economic activity along the K-96 corridor.

These workshops with StartUp Hutch are in addition to local conversations Buhler (What’s Next for Buhler?) and Haven (Love Where You Live Haven) have been hosting with their residents, trying to learn more about what will mobilize progress in their communities.

One of the biggest discoveries has been the strong local pride and entrepreneurial energy already present in these communities.

“It feels like this is a catalyst for progress,” said Graham Klemme, StartUp Hutch executive director.