HUTCHINSON, Kan. – May 18, 2026 — Entrepreneurs and small business owners in Reno County will once again have the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of starting and running a business through the Entrepreneurship Business Basics JUMP©+AI program, also known as EBB JUMP+AI. The 12-week program returns August 24 through November 16, sponsored by StartUp Hutch and Network Kansas.
This marks the first time the program has been offered since 2024, bringing back a hands-on learning opportunity designed to help aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs build confidence, strengthen business skills, and take meaningful steps toward launching or growing a venture.
Led by facilitator Kira Cheree’ Cobb, EBB JUMP©+AI offers participants practical tools, insights, and resources to better understand what it takes to start, operate, and grow a business. This year’s course will also include updated content on how small business owners can leverage artificial intelligence to save time, improve operations, strengthen marketing, and make more informed decisions.
The program will conclude with a Pitch Contest, giving participants the opportunity to practice the skills they develop throughout the course and compete for a $1,000 cash prize to help bring their business idea to life.
“Bringing EBB JUMP©+AI back is exciting because we know what this program can do for people who are ready to take their next step,” said Graham Klemme, executive director of StartUp Hutch. “The course gives entrepreneurs a supportive place to learn, test ideas, build confidence, and connect with others who want to see them succeed. This year, we’re especially excited to include practical ways entrepreneurs can use AI in their small businesses, along with the Pitch Contest, which gives participants a chance to put what they’ve learned into action and potentially earn funding to move their business forward.”
The JUMP©+AI Entrepreneur Course is designed to equip participants with essential business knowledge, tools, and resources needed to navigate today’s competitive market. Through a hybrid format, combining in-person sessions and virtual meetings via Zoom, the program provides flexibility and accessibility for aspiring entrepreneurs.
The program kicks off Monday, August 24, with weekly sessions from 6 to 8 p.m. Participants will meet in person for the opening session at The Peel Center, 1 E. 9th Avenue; for a business tour of the Kansas State Fair on September 14 during Week 4; and for the final Pitch Contest at the Justice Theater in the Shears Technology Center, 1300 N. Plum St., during Week 12. All other sessions will be held via Zoom.
Registration will be open June 1 through July 31. The course is valued at $700, but support from program sponsors makes it available to participants for a $100 registration fee. A $50 deposit will be refunded after successful completion of the program. Limited scholarships are also available.
Registration for the JUMP©+AI Program will be available on StartUpHutch.com starting June 1.
