Hutch Connect’s First Meetup Brings Local Businesses Together
Our First Hutch Connect Meetup Was a Huge Success, Here’s What Happened
Something special is happening in Hutchinson.
This week, Hutch Connect hosted our first ever in-person meetup — a chance for local business owners to come together, meet face-to-face, and build real relationships with others who are working hard to make our community stronger.
And it turned out even better than we hoped.
A Room Full of Local Talent
The meetup brought together a wide mix of small businesses from across Hutch and the surrounding area. Electricians, makers, restaurants, home services, retail shops, creatives, personal service providers, musicians, crafters, and many others were represented.
Some businesses were brand new. Others have been serving Hutch for years.
All showed up for the same purpose: to connect, collaborate, and support one another.
Each business introduced themselves, shared their stories, and talked about what they are working on right now. For many, this was the first time they had ever been in the same room with other local business owners outside their own industry.
Community Over Competition
One major theme that kept coming up was something Hutch Connect believes in from the beginning: local businesses win when they work together.
Throughout the evening, partners shared examples such as:
Hiring other Hutch Connect partners for signage, repairs, creative work, or special projects
Referring customers to fellow partners instead of sending them to large chains
Teaming up on events, podcasts, and collaborations
Supporting each other on social media
Sharing resources and showing up for each other in practical ways
It was an encouraging reminder of how strong the local business community can be.
More Than a Directory
A big takeaway from the discussion was how many people are discovering businesses through Hutch Connect.
Event pages, the scavenger hunt, the holiday lights map, and seasonal guides are all bringing new eyes to the site. Visitors click on one listing and then naturally explore others.
Hutch Connect is becoming a living local hub, not just a place to look up information. It is helping residents discover new businesses in their own community.
Looking Ahead
The meetup also introduced a few upcoming projects:
Hutch Connect involvement in the Smallville Festival
We have been invited to help bring more small and local business participation into next year’s festival. The focus is shifting back toward community and locally owned shops.
The Hutch Connect Pass
We are developing a free quarterly discount pass. Businesses may offer optional deals. Customers will show a QR code at participating locations. It will help track where leads are coming from and give residents a new reason to shop local.
Future workshops and meetups
Based on partner interest, we will be scheduling sessions on topics such as:
Google Business Profile setup
Simple customer tracking and CRM tools
Social media basics
Content creation for small business
Branding and messaging
How to get more from a Hutch Connect listing
A Strong Start
The first meetup confirmed that Hutchinson’s small business community is ready to grow together. Many partners made new connections, found potential collaborators, and discovered new ways to support one another.
This is only the beginning. More events, workshops, collaborations, and partner opportunities are on the way.
Want to Join Hutch Connect
If you own a small business in Hutch or the surrounding area, we would love to have you be part of the community. Visit HutchConnect.com to learn more or message us on Facebook with any questions.
Local business is the heart of Hutch. When we work together, everyone benefits.