HUTCHINSON, Kan. — StartUp Hutch has been awarded a $50,000 grant from the Hutchinson Community Foundation to launch a new Housing Entrepreneurship Program aimed at strengthening the local contractor and skilled trades pipeline to support housing development in Hutchinson and Reno County.
The two-year pilot initiative addresses a critical gap in the community’s housing ecosystem: the shortage of local contractors, subcontractors, and skilled trades entrepreneurs needed to efficiently and affordably deliver new housing and rehabilitation projects.
While existing efforts like the City of Hutchinson’s Small-Scale Developers Alliance are helping move housing projects forward, limited contractor capacity has remained an upstream constraint impacting project timelines, costs, and feasibility.
“This program tackles housing challenges at their root,” said Graham Klemme, Executive Director of StartUp Hutch. “If we want more housing, we need more local entrepreneurs in the trades who are equipped not only with technical skills, but with the business training and support to grow sustainable companies.”
Building the Contractor Pipeline
The Housing Entrepreneurship Program will:
- Expand the skilled trades and contractor pipeline
- Complement existing housing development initiatives
- Strengthen workforce-to-entrepreneur pathways
- Reduce capacity constraints in housing delivery
Over the two-year pilot period, StartUp Hutch will provide trades-focused entrepreneurship training, one-on-one technical assistance, ecosystem convenings, and pilot project support.
Anticipated outcomes include increased trades-based business formation, improved contractor readiness, stronger coordination between developers and contractors, and reduced reliance on out-of-area labor.
Supporting Economic Growth Through Housing
Hutchinson and Reno County continue to face housing challenges that impact workforce recruitment, neighborhood stability, and long-term economic growth. Employers frequently cite housing availability as a barrier to attracting talent, while aging housing stock and limited new construction strain the local market.
By investing in local trades entrepreneurs, the program ensures that housing investments circulate dollars within the community, build generational wealth, and strengthen Reno County’s economic resilience. The initiative also serves as a pilot toward a future Center for Entrepreneurship at Hutchinson Community College, with a focus on skilled trades entrepreneurship aligned with Elevate Reno County.
A Scalable, Community-Driven Model
The $50,000 investment will support staffing, training, technical assistance, convenings, pilot implementation, and evaluation of the program. StartUp Hutch designed the initiative as a scalable model that can expand as community partnerships and resources grow.
“As Reno County’s rallying community for entrepreneurs, StartUp Hutch is uniquely positioned to connect trades professionals with the tools, training, and relationships they need to thrive,” said Klemme. “This program strengthens our housing system by strengthening the people who build it.”
More details—including how to get involved and upcoming info sessions—will be shared in the coming weeks.
Contractors, skilled trades professionals, and partners interested in learning more about the program should complete the interest form at startuphutch.com/housing or contact Graham Klemme, Executive Director of StartUp Hutch at [email protected].
