Hutchinson & Wichita Small Business Resources: A Local Guide

By Blaine Gales – Lion Swag Web Design (316‑453‑6162)

Small businesses are the heartbeat of Hutchinson, Newton, Wichita, Maize, Andover, and the rest of South‑Central Kansas. Whether you’re starting a bakery, launching a new tech service, or opening a real estate brokerage, access to the right resources can make or break your early success. This guide pulls together some of the most valuable local programs, organizations and contacts that can help you turn ideas into thriving businesses—and explains why a strong online presence is essential in 2025.

Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce & HutchRec

A great first stop for small business owners is the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce, located at 117 North Walnut, Hutchinson, KS 67501. The chamber provides networking events, legislative advocacy, and resources like business workshops and small‑business mentorship. Their (620) 662‑3391 phone number connects you to staff who can recommend services tailored to your industry. The chamber also runs HutchRec, which oversees community events and partners with local agencies to boost visibility for new businesses. For owners trying to break into Hutchinson’s vibrant marketplace, joining the chamber can unlock connections you might not otherwise find.

StartUp Hutch (formerly Hutchinson Community Foundation)

A unique resource for entrepreneurs is StartUp Hutch, a nonprofit focused on economic development and entrepreneurial support. They offer workshops on topics from business planning to funding, along with coworking spaces and networking events. They also manage a microloan program for new ventures. Their office is located at Hutchinson Community Foundation, 9 South Main Street, Hutchinson, KS 67501, and they can be reached at (620) 474‑9291. StartUp Hutch’s mentoring program pairs you with successful local business leaders who can help guide your decisions—an invaluable resource for first‑time owners.

Kansas Small Business Development Center (KSBDC)

The Kansas SBDC (offices statewide) provides free one‑on‑one consulting and low‑cost training. The Wichita State University Kansas SBDC serves Hutchinson and the surrounding counties. Their advisors can help you write business plans, explore market research, and prepare loan applications. The center’s website offers webinars on everything from HR compliance to online marketing. For Hutchinson‑area businesses, contact (316) 978‑3193 and ask for an appointment in Hutchinson or Newton. Working with the SBDC is often the best way to align your business plan with lender requirements—improving your chances of securing funding.

Hutchinson Public Library & Business Reference Center

Don’t overlook your local library as a business tool. The Hutchinson Public Library offers access to online databases, market research tools, and business magazines. You can also request one‑on‑one sessions with a reference librarian to explore demographic data or industry reports. Their address is 901 North Main Street, Hutchinson, KS 67501 and phone is (620) 663‑5441. For a small annual fee, local entrepreneurs can reserve conference rooms for free. Libraries like the Newton Public Library and Wichita Branch Library offer similar resources—check their websites for details.

Kansas Department of Commerce & Office of Rural Prosperity

On the state level, the Kansas Department of Commerce provides programs for rural development, tax incentives, and workforce training. The Office of Rural Prosperity helps connect small towns like Mount Hope, Moundridge, and Burrton to state resources such as rural opportunity zones, grants, and infrastructure funds. Their main switchboard is (785) 296‑3481. These programs often change annually, so small business owners should check for new grants or training subsidies that might apply.

Local Banks & Credit Unions

Financial institutions remain essential. First National Bank of Hutchinson, Heartland Credit Union, and Dillon Credit Union provide SBA loans, microloans and lines of credit. For example:

• First National Bank of Hutchinson – 201 East 30th Avenue, Hutchinson, KS 67502; (620) 662‑2265. They offer SBA 7(a) loans and advise clients on preparing financial statements.

• Heartland Credit Union – 2900 North Main Street, Hutchinson, KS 67502; (620) 669‑0177. They partner with the SBDC for microloans.

• Hutchinson Credit Union (HCU) – 2704 N Lorraine St, Hutchinson, KS 67502; (620)669-8500. They have a community development loan fund designed for small business expansion.

Getting pre‑qualified with a local lender who understands Kansas’ business landscape can save time and prevent surprises during funding rounds.

Newton, Wichita & Maize Resources

Hutchinson is part of a broader entrepreneurial ecosystem. In Newton, the Harvey County Economic Development Council provides workshops and a free business incubator. Their office is at 500 North Main, Suite 100, Newton, KS 67114 and the phone is (316) 283‑6033. For Wichita, the e2e Accelerator and Wichita Independent Business Association (WIBA) offer co‑working spaces, pitch sessions, and peer‑to‑peer learning. Maize has its own Chamber of Commerce, which hosts monthly mixers and referral networks (contact (316) 350‑2203). All of these programs focus on connecting entrepreneurs to mentors, funding opportunities, and customers across the Wichita Metro.

HutchConnect — A Valuable Local Resource Created by Forward AI

Many Hutchinson entrepreneurs have benefited from HutchConnect, an online community and directory that shines a light on new ventures, events, and small businesses around town. What you might not know is that HutchConnect is an initiative of Forward AI Company, a Hutchinson‑based digital agency that offers website design and marketing services similar to our services. We celebrate the positive impact HutchConnect has had—its social media spotlights, community calendar, and local business listings help owners connect with customers and each other. By leveraging HutchConnect’s reach and Forward AI’s expertise, the platform has become a genuine asset to Hutchinson’s small-business community.

While Lion Swag Web Design also builds high-performing websites for small businesses in Hutchinson, Newton, Maize, and the Wichita metro, we’re proud to be part of an ecosystem where fellow agencies like Forward AI are working to elevate local entrepreneurs.

Why a Great Website Still Matters in 2025

Local resources are essential, but your digital presence is just as important. As search engines and AI evolve, your website needs to load fast, look modern, and speak directly to local customers. Potential clients may discover your business at a Hutchinson Chamber mixer or through StartUp Hutch—but they’ll probably still check your website before making a decision.

At Lion Swag Web Design, we build sites that:

• Load quickly on mobile (critical for local search)

• Feature intuitive calls to action (Get a Quote, Request a Consultation)

• Include clear local content (service areas, directions, community involvement)

• Follow accessibility best practices

• Use structured data to signal to search engines that you’re a real business in Hutchinson and the surrounding areas

A professional website combined with the local resources listed above is a powerful formula for growth.

Final Thoughts

Running a business in Hutchinson or its neighboring cities means you’re part of a supportive community. Local chambers, economic development councils, banks, and nonprofit organizations want you to succeed. If you leverage these resources and pair them with a modern website that tells your story, you’ll build a strong foundation—no matter your industry.

Ready to take your business online? Call Lion Swag Web Design at 316‑453‑6162 for a free consultation and discover how our web design and SEO services can help your venture stand out in Hutchinson, Newton, Wichita, Maize, and beyond.