Innovation Connector’s Ted Baker Highlights Entrepreneurship and Upcoming Community Celebration on WMUN

On May 27th, Innovation Connector CEO Ted Baker joined host Steve Lindell on Delaware County Today on WMUN to discuss Innovation Connector’s mission, the upcoming “Muncie The Entrepreneurial” celebration, and the importance of supporting entrepreneurship in the local community.

Celebrating “Muncie The Entrepreneurial”

A major focus of the discussion was the upcoming Muncie The Entrepreneurial celebration, part of the national America the Entrepreneurial initiative.

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, the initiative encourages communities across the country to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit that has helped shape the nation since its founding. Ted explained that America was built on the idea that individuals should have the opportunity to imagine, create, and build a life by their own design—and that entrepreneurship continues to play a vital role in strengthening communities today.

The City of Muncie and Innovation Connector have joined the initiative to celebrate the people, businesses, and entrepreneurs who continue to make Muncie a strong and vibrant community.

An Evening of Community and Celebration

The free community Muncie The Entrepreneurial celebration will take place on Wednesday, June 17th, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Innovation Connector. The event will bring together entrepreneurs, business owners, and community leaders for an evening focused on innovation, collaboration, and community pride.

Guests will enjoy live music from Muncie musician Mike Martin, remarks from national representatives of America the Entrepreneurial, and the presentation of a mayoral proclamation recognizing “Muncie The Entrepreneurial.” Attendees can also enjoy a classic All-American cookout menu provided by A Team Party Parlor & Catering, featuring hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, potato salad, chips, elephant ears, and apple pie.

The celebration is made possible through a partnership with Prime Trust Federal Credit Union and support from the Innovation Connector Board of Directors.

While the event is free to attend, a suggested donation of $10 per person will support the important work being done by The Common Market.

Entrepreneurship Drives Communities Forward

Ted also emphasized the broader impact entrepreneurship has on communities across the country. New businesses continue to drive much of America’s net job growth, helping strengthen local economies and create opportunities for individuals and families.

For those with a dream of starting a business, Ted encouraged listeners to reach out to Innovation Connector for support and guidance. Whether an idea is still in its earliest stages or already beginning to grow, Innovation Connector exists to help entrepreneurs move forward with confidence.

Those interested in attending the Muncie the Entrepreneurial event are encouraged to register in advance HERE to help ensure enough food and supplies are available for all attendees. 

If you’re interested in learning more about Innovation Connector or exploring resources for your business journey, you can contact the team at 765.216.5900 or visit the office at 1208 W. White River Blvd. in Muncie.

To listen to the full Delaware County Today episode, click HERE.

Celebrating America’s 250th: Muncie the Entrepreneurial — June 17th

The Innovation Connector is excited to invite the community to a special FREE celebration on Wednesday, June 17th, as part of the national America the Entrepreneurial initiative. The event will take place from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Innovation Connector and will bring together entrepreneurs, business owners, community leaders, and residents for an evening celebrating Muncie’s entrepreneurial community and the people who help make the city a great place to live, work, and play.

Guests can enjoy live music by Muncie’s own Mike Martin, remarks from America The Entrepreneurial national representatives, and the presentation of a mayoral proclamation recognizing “Muncie The Entrepreneurial.” The event is designed to celebrate the innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurial spirit that continue to strengthen the local community.

Attendees will also enjoy a classic All-American cookout menu featuring hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, potato salad, chips, elephant ears, and apple pie.

While the event is free to attend, a suggested donation of $10 per person will help support the important work being done by the Common Market.

This celebration is made possible through a generous partnership with Prime Trust Federal Credit Union and the support of the Innovation Connector Board of Directors.

Community members are encouraged to register in advance so organizers can make sure there is plenty of food for everyone attending. Whether you are a longtime business leader, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply someone who loves the Muncie community, this event is a great opportunity to connect, celebrate, and enjoy an evening together.

Register for this FREE community celebration HERE

Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce Business Education Series – June Session: The Power of the Ask

At Innovation Connector, we are proud to continue serving as the venue sponsor for the Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce Business Education Series. We invite local professionals, entrepreneurs, and business leaders to join us for June’s session focused on communication, confidence, and the impact of asking with intention.

June 2nd Session: The Power of the Ask

Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026
Location: Innovation Connector, 1208 W. White River Blvd., Muncie
Pricing: FREE for Members

Whether you’re pursuing a sale, seeking sponsorship, requesting support, or exploring new opportunities, knowing how to confidently make the ask can have a powerful impact on personal and professional growth. This session will explore how direct, thoughtful communication can strengthen relationships, create new opportunities, and lead to better outcomes in business and leadership.

During The Power of the Ask, attendees will learn practical strategies for making clear and effective requests while overcoming the fear and uncertainty that often comes with asking. The session will also examine the importance of preparation, authenticity, and relationship-building when approaching conversations involving business development, partnerships, or leadership opportunities.

Participants will also gain insight into how to navigate responses after the ask — whether the answer is yes, no, or somewhere in between — while building resilience and maintaining meaningful professional connections.

The workshop will be led by Brittany Scott, founder of GROW WIWO and owner of Mom Gets Moxie. Through her work supporting women in business, leadership, and personal growth, Brittany brings valuable experience and perspective on empowerment, communication, and building confidence in both business and life.

Whether you are a business owner, entrepreneur, salesperson, or emerging leader, this session offers valuable insight to help strengthen your communication skills and approach opportunities with greater confidence.

We encourage Chamber members and members of the local business community to join us at Innovation Connector on June 2nd for this educational opportunity.

Register for The Power of the Ask HERE

Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce Upcoming Events

Check out future Business Education Series Events HERE

The Innovation Connector: More Than Just Office Space

By Ted A. Baker, CEO, Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc.—

MUNCIE, IN—The Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc. is a business incubator and the only full-service entrepreneurial support organization in East Central Indiana. Although its facility is at the corner of West White River Blvd and Jackson Streets in Muncie, the Innovation Connector (commonly called the IC) is much more than a building – it is a dynamic hub of possibility. It is a place where, if you have an idea, a business, or a vision, the IC team helps you gain clarity, connections, and growth. By intentionally connecting people, resources, and opportunities, the IC ensures that innovators don’t grow alone. As builders of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Muncie community, the IC exists to support those who are building what’s next.

One of the most significant benefits of locating your business within the Innovation Connector is access to a comprehensive, high-value support system. Best-in-class incubators accelerate startup success by providing tailored mentorship, strategic guidance, and hands-on consulting that adapt to each company’s stage of growth. At the IC, entrepreneurs gain clarity faster, whether refining a business model, navigating early-stage challenges, or preparing for market entry. This individualized support reduces costly missteps and shortens the learning curve that often slows independent startups.

A second high-impact advantage is access to a powerful entrepreneurial network and ecosystem. Research consistently shows that strong connections to external support services, advisors, investors, and peer entrepreneurs are among the most predictive factors of startup success. The IC serves as a central “connector,” opening doors to talent, capital, and expertise that would otherwise take years to access. This ecosystem-driven approach aligns with best practices that position incubators as conveners of talent and resources rather than merely providers of space. In practical terms, this means faster partnerships, stronger collaborations, and greater opportunities for growth.

Third, businesses at the IC benefit from reduced barriers to growth through shared infrastructure and services. Incubation best practices emphasize the value of flexible space, shared services, and streamlined access to essential business tools to reduce overhead and improve efficiency. By offering a “one-stop shop” environment, the IC enables entrepreneurs to focus on building their business rather than managing administrative complexity. This operational efficiency is especially critical in the early stages, when time and capital are limited.

Fourth, the Innovation Connector provides enhanced access to capital and funding pathways, a cornerstone of successful incubation programs. High-performing incubators actively help clients secure financing, from seed funding to grants and investor connections. The IC’s role in guiding entrepreneurs through funding strategies and introductions increases the likelihood of securing the resources needed to scale. This aligns with industry best practices, which identify access to capital as a key driver of startup survival and growth.

Finally, businesses in the IC achieve accelerated growth and long-term sustainability within a structured yet flexible development environment. Incubators help companies move from early-stage uncertainty to stable, scalable operations by integrating mentorship, infrastructure, and ecosystem access into a cohesive growth pathway. The IC’s emphasis on community, accountability, and progress ensures that entrepreneurs not only launch but also build resilient businesses that contribute to regional economic vitality.

In sum, the Innovation Connector delivers far more than workspace. It provides a strategic advantage. Through expert guidance, deep connections, shared resources, access to funding, and a growth-focused environment, the IC embodies best practices in modern business incubation while advancing its mission to empower entrepreneurs and strengthen the East Central Indiana economy.

If you have never visited the Innovation Connector, we invite you to tour our beautiful facility and learn more about how we can support your venture. If you are considering or need a dedicated workspace, please contact us at 765-216-5900. Our mission is to help you and your business build what’s next. Please visit our website at www.innovationconnector.com.

Explore, Build & Innovate This Summer with TechWise Academy

This summer, students across East Central Indiana have the opportunity to explore robotics, coding, entrepreneurship, and emerging technology through hands-on learning experiences with TechWise Academy.

Hosted at the Innovation Connector, TechWise Academy’s Summer 2026 programs are designed to help students strengthen problem-solving skills, build confidence, and discover new interests in STEM through engaging, interactive experiences.

Whether your child is excited about robotics or interested in turning creative ideas into real-world solutions, there’s a program designed just for them.

Elementary School Summer Robotics Camp

June 1st – June 5th, 2026
Daily | 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
For students entering 3rd–5th grade
Cost: $175 per student

Young innovators will spend the week coding and building VEX and LEGO robots while completing exciting hands-on challenges. This camp is designed to introduce elementary students to robotics and teamwork in a fun and engaging environment that encourages creativity and critical thinking.

TechSpark Weekend

Friday, June 12th | 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Saturday, June 13th | 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Sunday, June 14th | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
For students entering 6th–8th grade
FREE to attend

TechSpark Weekend gives middle school students the chance to tackle real-world challenges and develop business ideas that create solutions. Over the course of one exciting weekend, students will explore:

  • Tech entrepreneurship
  • Robotics programming
  • Artificial intelligence
  • App development

This free experience is perfect for students who are curious about technology, innovation, and creative problem-solving.

Middle School Summer Robotics Camp

June 29th – July 3rd, 2026
Daily | 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
For students entering 6th–8th grade
Cost: $175 per student

Middle school students will dive deeper into robotics by coding and building VEX robots to complete hands-on challenges throughout the week. Camp participants will strengthen teamwork, engineering, and programming skills while having fun in an interactive learning environment.

Register Today

Summer classes are expected to fill quickly, so families are encouraged to register early.

To learn more and sign up for TechWise Academy’s Summer 2026 programs, visit the TechWise Academy Classes Page

Prime Office Space Available

If you and your business need a private office to start or grow, the Innovation Connector is the place to be. The Innovation Connector is a full-service business resource center with the resources and a proven track record to help your business succeed.

Amenities include:
  • Private business coaching and advising,
  • Access to training programs and networking events,
  • Use of conference and training rooms,
  • High-speed, secure internet,
  • Premium private office spaces with desks and chairs provided,
  • Ample parking,
  • Dedicated mailbox,
  • Access to a business resource room with a copy machine, and coffee all day,
  • 24/7 Access,

– all at an affordable, all-inclusive price.

For more information, please contact us at 765-216-5900 or stop by Monday –Friday from 8 am – 4 pm.

Imagine yourself here. How would you set up this office space?
office with desk, chair, table

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just imagine the possibilities!

office with furnitureoffice with desk, rug, wall decor