The Innovation Connector will be closed on Thursday, July 3rd and Friday, July 4th in observance of Independence Day.
We will reopen with normal business hours on Monday, July 7th. Wishing you a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend!
Innovation Connector is partnering with the ECI Regional Planning District to host a FREE BEST (Business Enterprise Services & Training) Workshop for small business owners and entrepreneurs in Marion, Indiana. The event will be held on Monday, July 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Ivy Tech Marion’s Community Room (261 Commerce Dr, Marion, IN).
Leading the workshop is Ted Baker, Executive Director and CEO of Innovation Connector, who will cover two key areas:
Smart, effective marketing strategies
Practical tools for maintaining a healthy work/life balance
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to sharpen your approach, this session will offer actionable insights to help your business grow and thrive.
The workshop is free and open to the public, with no registration required. Attendees should use the main entrance at Ivy Tech—staff at the front desk will direct you to the Community Room. A sign-in sheet will be available upon arrival.
This session is part of an ongoing series of BEST Workshops powered by ECI Regional Planning District in collaboration with partners like Innovation Connector. More events are planned across the region in the coming months.
Questions? Contact the Innovation Connector at (765) 216-5900 or ECI Regional Planning District at (765) 717-5648.
Stay connected with Innovation Connector for more events, trainings, and business support opportunities.
By: Ted A. Baker, CEO/Executive Director, Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc.
Muncie is a city rooted in resilience, creativity, and community pride. As we look ahead to our future, it’s clear that innovation and entrepreneurship must play a leading role in shaping what’s next. That’s why having a full-service Entrepreneur Support Organization (ESO) like the Muncie Innovation Connector is not just a benefit to our city — it’s a catalyst for long-term growth and opportunity.
The Innovation Connector is Muncie and East Central Indiana’s central hub for innovation-driven startups, growing businesses, and nonprofits alike. It offers a wide range of services, including business advising and coaching, accounting assistance, access to free coworking space, networking events, and flexible office space for lease. Whether launching your first venture or leading a decades-old organization, the Innovation Connector exists to help you thrive.
Its diverse lineup of programs is designed to meet real needs in real time. The Business Health Check provides entrepreneurs with a deep dive into their company’s operational strengths and challenges. The AI Business Learning Connector equips business leaders with the knowledge and tools to harness artificial intelligence. The Greater Muncie Mentorship Hub will connect experienced professionals with those eager to learn and grow — creating a ripple effect of wisdom and encouragement across our community. (This program will begin in July 2025.)
And that’s just the beginning. Through initiatives like the Podcast Connector, the TechWise Academy for coding and digital literacy for students K-12, and Soft Landings for welcoming international businesses, the Innovation Connector ensures Muncie is both future-ready and globally connected. These programs not only support individual success but also fuel job creation and economic vibrancy for the entire region.
This ESO doesn’t operate in isolation. It’s deeply embedded in the local fabric, offering resources to nonprofits and existing small businesses, including back-office support, strategy sessions, and community-building events. Signature events like Business Showcase Week and Global Entrepreneurship Week 2025 spotlight local talent, helping attract investment and foster civic pride.
“What we envisioned when we founded the Innovation Connector was a place that could remove barriers for entrepreneurs and foster real innovation right here in Muncie,” said Ron Fauquher, Board Chair and one of the organization’s founding members. “Today, that vision is alive and thriving — and it’s helping build the future of our city, one idea at a time.”
Ted A. Baker, CEO and Executive Director of the Innovation Connector, adds: “We’re here to support people with vision — whether they’re just getting started or looking to scale. Our goal is to make Muncie a place where innovation happens every day, and where every entrepreneur feels like they belong and can succeed.”
If you’re a community leader, business owner, or simply someone with a big idea and a willingness to learn, now is the time to engage. Contact the Innovation Connector today at 765-216-5900 or email nsmith@innovationconnector.com to find out how you or your organization can plug in. Learn more online at www.innovationconnector.com.
Muncie’s next chapter is being written right now — and thanks to the Innovation Connector, we all have a chance to help shape it.
We’re thrilled to introduce our standout Summer Intern, Carter Fauquher! Each year, the Innovation Connector seeks to bring in bright, driven students who are passionate about entrepreneurship and eager to learn, and Carter fits that description perfectly. With a strong interest in entrepreneurship and technology, Carter is already making a meaningful impact during his time with us.
Carter is a junior at Indiana University, where he is studying Business Informatics. His academic interests align closely with his passion for real estate, entrepreneurship, and technology. A Yorktown High School graduate, Carter was a dedicated member of the soccer team for four years and now channels his competitive spirit as part of IU’s jujitsu team.
As an intern, Carter has hit the ground running. “I’ve learned more here in a couple months than school could ever teach you,” he shared. “It really puts you in the shoes of the real world.” One of his favorite projects so far has been working alongside CEO Ted Baker on the “Meet One Entrepreneur” podcast, an exciting new series where local business owners from East Central Indiana share their journeys and insights into entrepreneurship.
Carter’s eagerness to learn, his hands-on approach, and his entrepreneurial mindset make him a valuable addition to the Innovation Connector. We’re proud to support his growth and look forward to seeing all he accomplishes during his internship and beyond!
Running a successful business takes more than a great product or a loyal customer base—it takes a solid understanding of your financials. At the Innovation Connector, we know that many entrepreneurs and small business owners are experts in their craft but often lack confidence when it comes to the financial side of their operations. The number one topic entrepreneurs bring to our team? Business finances. It’s also the most common area where we see preventable mistakes that can lead to business failure. That’s why the Innovation Connector offers tailored financial support to help clients build the knowledge and confidence they need to stay on track. We can assist with:
No matter your business stage, we can help you better understand your numbers so you can make smarter decisions.
Our financial services team is also equipped to support your ongoing bookkeeping and accounting needs through QuickBooks. Whether you’re seeking guidance on a specific question or need a partner to manage your full accounting workload, we can help.
Our flexible services include:
We’ll meet you where you are—whether you need just an hour of support or more extensive accounting services each month.
Ready to gain clarity and control over your business finances?
Contact the Innovation Connector today to schedule a consultation and learn how our team can help support your financial success.