‘Why I Entered The BIG Idea Pitch Competition and Why You Should Too.’ A Story by Carter Anderson.

<strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">Third Place Winner of the BIG Idea Pitch 2019 Competition, Carter Anderson</span></strong>

I was sitting in my entrepreneurship class at Ball State University when my professor began to tell us about the BIG Idea Pitch competition. She encouraged us to participate in the competition as it would be an excellent opportunity to make connections, practice pitching, and even win a cash prize. As my professor was talking, I began to get nervous about participating. I knew that the BIG Idea Pitch was a great opportunity, but I wondered if I had what it took to participate in the competition without making a fool out of myself. After pondering it for a while, I finally got the courage to take one step forward and sign up for the first training camp.

Fast forward to the training camp, I was able to not only learn about business ideas and how to come up with them, but I was introduced to the Innovation Connector staff. Since I was born and raised in Muncie, I always knew of the Innovation Connector but never got a chance to work with their team. The Innovation Connector staff not only welcomed me but everyone at the training camp with open arms. They suggested that if we need assistance with our business idea or need help developing a pitch, the Innovation Connector staff will meet with us. I took another step forward and scheduled a meeting with their executive director, Ted Baker.

At my first meeting with Ted, he helped me develop an outline for my pitch. I will never forget his words to me in my first meeting after I told him about my business idea. He looked me in the eyes and said, “I’m proud of you for doing this.” After he said that, I thought to myself, “how can someone be proud of me that just met me.” Well, Ted knew the boldness that it took to not only participate in the BIG Idea Pitch but also to ask for help.

The next two weeks leading up to the pitch night, my nerves started to disappear. The more that I practiced my pitch, the more confident I felt about presenting. I reminded myself to have a conversation with the judges about my business rather than a “perfectly written pitch.” When I showed up to the pitch competition, I felt nervous, but they were the kind of nerves that make you excited to present. Once my name was called, I went inside, I made eye contact with the judges, and I had a conversation with them about my business idea.

After my presentation, I stuck around for a while to hear the semi-finalists announced, and sure enough, my name was called. I got chosen to participate in the final competition at the Innovation Connector’s Excellence in Innovation Awards banquet at the Horizon Convention Center. What did this mean for me? It meant that I was in the running to win up to $4,000 by going on stage and having a conversation with people attending that dinner. So, I attended the dinner, pitched my idea, and came away with a 3rd place prize of $2,500 and business services to advance my idea.

Looking back on the experience, there are a couple of things that I learned. The first thing I learned is that pitching isn’t as bad as it seems. Pitching my business has built my confidence and experience tremendously. The second thing I learned is that people are more willing to help you than you think. It is easy to feel as if we don’t have a support system when we’re creating something new, but we’re actually surrounded by hundreds of people that will help us if we ask. Lastly, it is important to expose yourself to new opportunities and events, no matter who you are and what you do. The world is out there, and we have the choice to get up and get it.

You could have the chance to prove the potential of your business idea, meet people who can help you succeed, and even win a cash prize at the BIG Idea Pitch Competition. You can find more information about training camps and how to register your idea by going to www.innovationconnector.com

 

 

The BIG Idea Pitch 2019 Winner – Troy Smith, The Layman Bench

Personal Trainer Troy Smith saw a need to make bicep and tricep training more fun. After doing much research, Smith created an innovative and new fitness machine that allows users to increase the safety and efficacy of free weight training exercises commonly performed within gym facilities worldwide. He named this machine, The Layman Bench.

How did the name ‘The Layman Bench’ come about?

The Layman Bench provides assistance for triceps training comparable to how the Preacher bench does for biceps training. Within the context of a church, preachers preach to the parishioners (or ‘layman.’),

“I wanted to pay homage to the bodybuilding and fitness industry by naming the bench the Layman Bench.” Says Smith. “Layman and preachers are intimately related yet opposites in nature, like how the biceps and the triceps are intimately interconnected opposites in nature. It’s also a play on words since you lie down while performing triceps exercises on the Layman.”

With any new idea, Troy discovered a few struggles with the patent design of his new machine. As production time took longer than anticipated, Smith found it difficult to file the needed patents making the process of getting the bench ready to market rather tricky.

After working out the struggles he found with production and patenting the Layman Bench, Troy became partners with a fabrication shop out of Naperville, Illinois. The final product version of the Layman Bench started the process of field-testing on September 1st, 2020.

After placing fourth in the Innovation Connector’s BIG Idea Pitch Competition, Troy was encouraged to pitch at the Purdue Big Sell pitch competition, where he placed first and won $10,000!

 

You can contact Trainer Troy Smith by email: trainertroysmith@gmail.com

 

The BIG Idea Pitch Competition is open to all age groups in Delaware County and surrounding counties. You can learn more about the BIG Idea Pitch and sign up for the first training camp of the 2020 season by clicking here.

Innovation Connector to Host the Seventh Annual BIG Idea Pitch Competition for Local Entrepreneurs

By Alexis Dishman—

Muncie, IN—The Innovation Connector of Muncie, Indiana, is hosting the seventh annual BIG Idea Pitch competition for local entrepreneurs and innovators to “pitch” their business, business concepts, product or invention to a panel of judges from the business and investment community. There are many very creative and interesting concepts from people in our region, and this competition will showcase those ideas and offer what it takes to advance them. This event is for individuals in all phases of business, including startup or pre-startup. Jr High and High School students, as well as college students, are also encouraged to apply.

The BIG Idea Pitchcompetition is your chance to prove the potential of your business idea, meet people who can help you succeed, and maybe even win a cash prize! Competitors will have just three minutes to pitch before a panel of judges.

The schedule of events is as follows:

Each Training Camp will be held at the Innovation Connector from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm. The Final Competition will also be held at the Innovation Connector starting at 6:00 pm. The BIG Idea Pitch Competition Application Forms will be available online Monday, October 19th.

TRAINING CAMPS –

Training Camp #1 – Monday, October 19th

What is the BIG Idea Pitch Competition? How do ideas happen? Forming an idea as a business

or product. What is the problem being solved? What is the opportunity being seized? From ideas to solutions – how to solve problems. Does your solution fully solve the problem/opportunity?

Training Camp #2 – Monday, October 26th

Are there revenue streams and profit potential for this solution? Who else is currently solving the problem? How are others solving this problem? Why is your solution better or different? What value does your solution provide? How do I present and pitch? What is the judging criteria?

FINAL COMPETITION – Monday, November 2nd

This is THE night! All competitors will only have three minutes to pitch in front of a panel of judges. The top five winners will be selected, and the judges will announce the 1st– 5thplace winners of The BIG Idea Pitch 2020 competition.

ADVANCE Cohort – January 2021

All final winners will be awarded a seat in the Innovation Connector’s program cohort – ADVANCE. Each individual will complete this 4-month intensive business development commitment that includes focused one-on-one coaching, consultation with business professionals, access to workshops and events, and so much more. The ADVANCE cohort is a $1,500 value that each winner will be awarded at no cost! More information on ADVANCE can be found by going to www.innovationconnector.com/advance

All competitors will receive invaluable feedback, a fun experience, and valuable exposure to business leaders & potential mentors.  For more details or to make a submission, go to innovationconnector.com and click The BIG Idea Pitch link or contact Alexis Dishman at 765-285-4900.

The BIG Idea Pitch 2020 is presented by the Innovation Connector and made possible by our partners: First Merchant’s Bank, Whitinger Strategic Services, Whitinger & Company, Deltec Solutions, R&R Engineering, Action Technologies Group, and Shafer Leadership Academy.

 

Register for the BIG Idea Pitch Training Camp #1 by Clicking Here

 

Restart and Grow Your Business with a Restart Loan

By: Ted Baker—

Muncie, IN—The Muncie Innovation Connector is pleased to announce the launch of the Delaware County Micro-Business Restart Loan Fund.  Independently-owned for-profit businesses located in Delaware County, Indiana with a maximum of five full-time employees may be eligible for a loan up to $2,500 through the Delaware County Micro-Business Restart Loan Fund. This program is presented by the Muncie Innovation Connector and the East Central Indiana Small Business Development Center.

Businesses must have been actively in operation with sales in January 2020 to apply. Businesses that received funds from either the Paycheck Protection Plan (PPP), Emergency Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), or other major relief funding are not eligible. No interest will be paid during the loan terms, however, an administrative fee of 2% of the loan amount is due at loan closing.

Find More Information and the Loan Application at:  www.innovationconnector.com/MBRLF

The Delaware County Micro-Business Restart Loan Fund is made available by The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Inc.

The Innovation Connector will be glad to answer your questions regarding this loan. Please contact our office at 765-285-4900 and ask about the Restart Loan Program.

Small Business Loans – The City of Muncie

The City of Muncie, under the leadership of Mayor Dan Ridenour, is making available loans to small businesses in Muncie.  These loans, which must be paid back at a very reasonable interest rate, are exclusively for small businesses that might need $1,000 – $7,500 to bridge the cash-flow gap during this COVID-19 crisis.  With starting this fund, Mayor Ridenour commented, “Muncie is dependent on our small businesses.  We need to do what we can to provide resources to help as many as possible.”

Funds are being made through the Muncie Industrial Revolving Loan Fund.  Loan applications will be accepted starting on Monday, May 4th, and applications can be emailed to mayor@cityofmuncie.com.  Applications can be found on the cityofmuncie.com website.

On the homepage, click, DEVELOPMENT.  On that page, scroll down until you see Muncie Industrial Revolving Loan Fund.  Click on this link and then scroll down until you see the link for the application.  It is a fillable pdf form so you can complete it on your computer and email it from there.

Please answer all the questions you can.  This application has not been adapted for this loan process, but it will serve as one for this purpose.  If you have any difficulties or questions concerning the application, please contact Ted Baker at the Innovation Connector for assistance: 765-285-4902 M-F, 8 am-4 pm.

An additional funding opportunity will be announced soon from the Community Development Fund.  More will be posted on that when more details are available.

We are proud of the City of Muncie for including small businesses as a priority during this difficult time!

COVID-19 Business Guide to SBA Resources and Other Resources

The Innovation Connector’s Phase 5 Reopening Plan, 6/29/2020 

 

Other Resources:

 

COVID-19 Business Guide to SBA Resources and Other Resources

By: Ted A. Baker, Innovation Connector, April 9, 2020

In these very uncertain times, there has been information-overload that has flooded our inboxes, airwaves, podcasts, webinars, and most conversations.  As leaders or businesses and nonprofit organizations in the Muncie/Delaware County community, understanding what resources are available for who and how to apply for them, well is just plain overwhelming.

The United States Small Business Administration, as a result of legislation passed by Congress, provides some great resources and opportunities for small businesses, including some non-profit organizations. This document is designed to assist you in navigating through the funding programs that can benefit, and in some cases, save your business or organization.  These programs are for those who make an effort to apply for them.  Each program requires specific actions for you to take.  Please be assured that these documents are not too difficult to complete.  You will be asked for specific financial information that should be readily available in your accounting systems or through your bookkeeper/CPA.


Of all the resources that seek to unpack the SBA programs, the best resource is the SBA itself.  Go to www.sba.gov.  After opening the home page, you will see at the top of the page:

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Relief options and Additional Resources

CLICK HERE


This will take you to the next page:

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources


Scroll down to:

Coronavirus Funding Options

Click here to learn more about available SBA loan and debt relief options


Click on this, and you will find a breakdown of all of the programs that are available from the SBA.  There are three (3) programs that are more applicable for your non-profit organization as a result of the much-acclaimed CARES Act.

 

  1. Paycheck Protection Program – This is a payroll-focused loan program that can provide up to 2.5 times the average monthly amount of your last 12-months payroll. This application is easy to complete but read the instructions first to learn what information and data you will need.  This is the program that everyone is talking about because it has provisions that could allow the loan amount to be “forgiven.”  Please remember that this initially is a loan, and this program is administered through your local SBA-approved bank. Note: Non-profit leaders may want to discuss this with their board of   Bylaws of some non-profit organizations require board approval for Executive Directors to borrow money for their organization.

Again, please work through your local banks for application processing.  Different banks may have different policies and may require certain information. Banks are overwhelmed with applications, so it is imperative that you connect with your local banker.

  1. Economic Injury Disaster – The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) provides vital economic support to non-profit organizations to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Non-profit organizations are eligible to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) advance of up to $10,000. There are recent updates to this provision so that amount may change. This advance will provide economic relief to businesses and organizations that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. Funds will be made available following a successful application. This loan advance may not have to be repaid. Part of this loan program allows businesses and organizations to borrow up to $2 million.  Per an SBA representative, once your application is submitted, an SBA loan officer will contact the applicant via email and by phone within 1-2 weeks.  At that time, the SBA loan officer will review your application and determine the amount your organization can borrow.  The interest rate for non-profit organizations is set at 2.75%, and payback, depending on loan circumstances, can be paid back in up to 30-years.
  2. SBA Express Bridge LoansExpress Bridge Loan Pilot Programallows non-profit organizations who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly. These loans can provide vital economic support to your organization to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing and can be a term loan or used to bridge the gap while applying for a direct SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan. If your organization has an urgent need for cash while waiting for decision and disbursement on an Economic Injury Disaster Loan, it may qualify for an SBA Express Disaster Bridge Loan.

Applications and Instructions can be found at each of the SBA website locations – The SBA website regularly posts all recent updates and changes to the program.


Please remember that you are not alone on this journey.  Please seek the assistance of your board members if possible or other resources within your organization pr business.  There are also resources available from within the Muncie/Delaware County community that can help you.  The two organizations listed below offer free direct services to assist you.  Please know that they are not CPAs or Attorneys, but they are very knowledgeable and willing to answer your questions and help you.  Please feel free to contact:

Muncie Innovation Connector

Ted Baker, Executive Director
Contact information:  Office phone: 765-285-4902, After hours contact: 765-744-6956,

Contact email:  tbaker@innovationconnector.com

The Innovation Connector can provide other opportunities for funding if the SBA funding does not suit your organization or business.  Please contact Ted for for information.

 

East Central Indiana Small Business Development Center (SBA funded organization)

Peggy Cenova, Regional Director

Contact information: Office phone: 765.282.9950, M-F, 8 am – 5 pm, or by appointment. After hours contact, 317-439-0104, or visit our website, isbdc.org – Contact email: pcenova@isbdc.org

The Innovation Connector is available and ready to assist small businesses in East Central Indiana during this crisis.


Small businesses in East-Central Indiana are struggling like most parts of our world. Our communities depend on the health of small businesses.  In these times, money from the federal/state governments may not be enough to help them survive. The Innovation Connector is uniquely positioned to provide business support services such as coaching, advising, revising business models to pivot in these trying times, rethink marketing decisions, expanding customer base, understanding cash flow, and sometimes just to talk to someone who understands the plight of small business.

We can assist with helping and directing small businesses through the SBA CARES Act and other programs for survival funding. This includes the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Plan (PPP) and Bankable’s Quick Bridge Loan Program.  We can also be a “connector” to other community services and programs. Let us help you and your business today.

Call our office at 765-285-4902 or tbaker@innovationconnector.com to arrange a FREE on-line, appointment with one of our dedicated staff members.


 

ITIA Launches Webpage to Share Support Services & Resources During COVID-19 Crisis

Sent by email from Indiana Technology & Innovation Association on Friday, March 27th 


ITIA Launches Webpage to Share Support Services & Resources During COVID-19 Crisis

We’ve launched a dedicated webpage to help aggregate support services and resources being offered to entrepreneurs and small businesses during the COVID-19 crisis.

The webpage includes federal and state support services, and highlights virtual resources being offered by our ITIA Members.

If your organization is providing support services or helpful resources and would like them to be featured on the ITIA website and in emails, please send a description to Molly@HallowellConsulting.com.

ITIA COVID-19 Support Webpage

If you have any questions about the State response to COVID-19 or ideas for proactive approaches to help with the State’s response, you can email COVIDResponse@iedc.IN.gov.

Senator Braun Offers Business Guide for Companies Impacted by COVID-19

Indiana Senator Mike Braun’s Office has created a COVID-19 Affected Business and Employee Resource Guide to provide information about federal resources to support small businesses, including:

  • Small Business Paycheck Protection Program, which will provide small businesses with loans of up to $10 million that can used for payroll support, paid leave, insurance costs, mortgage/rent payments, and utility payments. Paycheck Protection Program Loans are eligible for forgiveness.

To view Sen. Braun’s complete resource guide, click here

The NIIC Hosts Virtual Office Hours

Virtual Office Hours—The NIIC in Fort Wayne is offering virtual office hours, which may include open Q&A sessions or focused, topical discussions. Stay tuned to our social media channels (FacebookLinkedInInstagram) for details about upcoming events. Topics will include general questions and answers format about current business challenges. Participants will help drive the discussion as well. Local experts will team with Women’s Entrepreneurial Opportunity Center (WEOC) to advise on topical issues.

  • NIIC Virtual Office Hours: Tuesday – Friday at 1:30pm-3:00pm. Contact Mike Fritsch to schedule an appointment.
  • The Women’s Entrepreneurial Opportunity Center (WEOC) Virtual Office Hours: Tuesday and Thursday at 9:00am on Facebook.

Virtual 1-on-1 Coaching—The NIIC is also offering virtual coaching via conference call or ZOOM. You will be matched with one of our professional business coaches, who have the expertise and knowledge to guide you. Please complete the Let’s Talk form, so we know how best to serve you.

More information is available here.

Free 30-Minute Coaching Sessions Available with Muncie Innovation Connector

As Muncie area’s premier entrepreneurial support organization, the Muncie Innovation Connector Inc. is prepared to assist you with your business questions and how to deal with this unique business environment.

If your organization or business needs or wants assistance dealing with this new “normal” such as reviewing your current business model, ideas for marketing, or how to deal with employees, etc. please feel free to contact me at tbaker@innovaitonconnector.com  to arrange a FREE 30-minute coaching session.

All coaching sessions will be by phone or ZOOM.  If we cannot directly help you, we will try to find a connection that can assist you. Coaching appointments will take place from 10 am – 2 pm Monday – Friday until further notice.

 

Salesforce Offers Free Rapid Response Solutions, Product Support

Small Business Support:
Salesforce Care: Free Rapid Response Solutions to Help Companies Navigate COVID-19

  • Salesforce Care for Small Business: Salesforce Essentials, our out-of-the-box CRM for small businesses, will be available to support our small business customers’ sales and customer service efforts.
  • Tableau for Salesforce Care: Tableau will enable small businesses to make data-driven decisions with speed regarding their unique business challenges.

Product Support:

  • We’re making our technology available to help our customers, partners and communities. Through Health Cloud, Salesforce will provide free access to technology for emergency response teams, call centers and care management teams for health systems affected by coronavirus. Tableau has developed a free data resource hub to help organizations see and understand coronavirus data in near real-time. This includes case data compiled by Johns Hopkins University as well as data from WHO and the CDC. To help teams collaborate while employees are away from the office, Quip Starter will be available for free to any Salesforce customer or non-profit organization through September 30, 2020.

We are expanding Salesforce Care with free solutions to help companies in any industry stay connected to stakeholders, even when everyone is working remotely. The Salesforce Care solutions are available immediately, and can be set up very quickly. More info here.

The Startup Ladies Hosting Virtual Office Hours

During the Coronavirus, we’re providing our startup community with additional support. Executive Mentors are here to help you with 1:1 virtual meetings. We’ll get through this together!

  • KRISTEN COOPER: Tuesdays from 8am – 10am
  • KIM SAXTON: Monday & Wednesday from 9am – 11am
  • ANGIE STOCKLIN: Tuesday & Thursday 10am – 3pm

Register here.

Virtual Startup Study Halls

We are also offering virtual Startup Study Halls on the first and third Wednesday of the month from 6-8pm. Click here for the calendar.

Startup Study Hall Online

Startup Study Hall Online is where you can go to learn how to startup and scale up your company at any time of day that is convenient for you. Our online educational platform for entrepreneurs and investors will provide you with the tools you need to go from idea, to market, to growth. Learn more.

Blog

Follow the Startup Ladies blog for helpful articles including:

The Real Truths About Virtual Meetings

Winona IT Offers VoIP Solutions to Nonprofits

Winona IT located in Winona Lake, Indiana is fast-tracking deployment of Microsoft Teams, an industry leading collaboration platform, to organizations in need. In addition, they are deploying advanced VoIP solutions, even waiving the cost entirely for Non-Profits/501C3s allowing employees to stay connected and tend to main phone lines during this time.

If you are an organization in need of help keeping employees connected during this time, please contact us at 574-306-5441 or via https://winonait.com/contact/.

For more information regarding our COVID-19 response, please visit https://winonait.com/covid-19/.

A Letter from Ted Baker – How We Can Help During COVID-19

Coaching and Advising for Small Businesses and Organizations

Thursday, March 19, 2020

Dear Business Owners,

As one of the Muncie area’s premier business resource centers, the Innovation Connector is prepared to assist you with your business questions and how to deal with this unique business environment, due to COVID-19. If your organization or business needs or wants assistance dealing with this new “normal” such as reviewing your business situation, or ideas for marketing, or how to deal with employees, etc. please feel free to contact my office (765-285-4900) to arrange a 30-minute coaching session.  All coaching sessions will be by phone or ZOOM. If I cannot directly help you, I will find a connection that might be able to assist you. Coaching appointments will take place from 10 am – 2 pm starting Friday, March 20. There will be no charge for these sessions.

 

I also want to hear from your business or organization. What are you doing to survive this and any pivots and changes you are making? You might end up being able to assist someone else who is struggling with similar issues.

My email is tbaker@innovationconnector.com.

 

Please note, too, that the Small Business Administration (SBA) is providing low-interest loans to both for-profit and non-profit businesses and organizations. Here is the link to the article.

 

Thank you and stay safe,

 

Ted A. Baker

Executive Director

Innovation Connector

Meet The Innovation Connector’s Lori Albert: A Disciplined Professional for Small Business Bookkeeping

By: Mike Rhodes—

Lori Albert, Financial Director at the Innovation Connector is pictured in her office. Photo by: Alexis Dishman

Muncie, IN—Entrepreneurs and small business owners seem to have a million things to juggle every day: Sales. Marketing. Business Development. Customer service. Getting the actual work or product of the business completed and out the door.

Of course, there’s one other fun little task that is extremely important to a business:  Bookkeeping. For many entrepreneurs, that skill is frequently at the bottom of the “Things to get done this month” list.

Sometimes, the financial aspects of running a business can take a back seat to other priorities. Clearly, the financial aspects of running a small business is important to ensure financial stability, but some people just don’t have the time or the inclination to handle accounting functions themselves.

The Innovation Connector can help!

Lori Albert is the Financial Director for the Innovation Connector and has been at the Innovation Connector for 11 years. “I have always done the Innovation Connector’s accounting since I started working there,” she said.

“When Ted Baker took over as Executive Director of the Innovation Connector, he asked me if there was anything more I’d like to do,” she said. “After thinking about it, I told Ted, ‘Well, I’d love to help more people with their accounting.’ ”

Lori’s interest in helping others led to her doing bookkeeping for 9 other companies as a service of the Innovation Connector.  “It’s a lot of juggling, but I’m a good multi-tasker,” she said with a laugh. “The companies I do bookkeeping for are small companies, so it’s not like doing accounting for a large corporation. Some clients only take me 5-10 hours a month depending upon the time of year.”

The end of the year is busier for Lori, with most companies doing end-of-year budgeting. “I don’t handle corporate taxes, though,” she said. Some of the organizations Lori works with are local non-profits who need the financial know-how and time savings Lori brings to the table.

Lori’s accounting work for companies runs the gamut. Some companies bring her a shoebox of materials and ask her to “just do it.” Others are more interested in some training, and through the Innovation Connector, Lori provides consultation and training for small businesses through the use of Quickbooks Accounting Software.

QuickBooks Accounting Software is an accounting software package developed and marketed by Intuit. QuickBooks products are geared mainly toward small and medium-sized businesses and offer on-premises accounting applications as well as cloud-based versions that accept business payments, manage and pay bills, and payroll functions. “If clients are willing to use Quickbooks Accounting Software, and will spend a few hours with me, I can get them up and running and teach them how to do their own accounting,” she said. “That’s also a service the Innovation Connector offers.”

An example of the QuickBooks dashboard. Photo courtesy of quickbooks.intuit.com

Bill Walters is Executive Director of the ECI Regional Planning District and has used the Innovation Connector and Lori’s accounting services for the past three years. “Lori’s bookkeeping services are fabulous for us,” he said. “She’s very professional, timely, organized, and I get what I need when I need it. It’s awesome to have a part-time bookkeeper that you almost feel is personally your own.”

Lori and the Innovation Connector would love to have more clients utilize their financial services offerings— as well as additional clients Lori can teach to use Quickbooks. After all, that is part of the Innovation Connector’s mission.

The Innovation Connector is a full-service business incubator. The Innovation Connector exists to help entrepreneurs succeed by offering resources and support to address their ever-changing needs.

Whether you need help securing funds or managing daily financial operations, Lori and the Innovation Connector can assist you. Specific financial services offered to Innovation Connector clients include:

•  Capital Identification Assistance
•  Local/Regional Loan Securing Consultation

•  Quickbooks Setup & Training
•  Bookkeeping & Accounting Services
•  Cashflow Analysis

The work achieved at the Innovation Connector benefits our entire community through a healthy ecosystem of vibrant entrepreneurship. The Innovation Connector is always looking for NEW partnerships that feed the local ecosystem, educate our people, and cultivate job growth in an organic way.  Please give the Innovation Connector a call and ask them how YOU and YOUR BUSINESS can partner with the Innovation Connector.