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

MUNCIE, IN—The Innovation Connector is deepening its commitment to entrepreneurial and business excellence with the launch of its new Business Impact Masterclasses, a four-part professional education series that helps entrepreneurs, startups, nonprofit leaders, and established businesses grow through practical, action-oriented learning. Beginning in September 2026, the Business Impact Masterclasses will replace the annual Innovation Connector Business Showcase Week, marking the next evolution of the organization’s business education programming. This initiative reflects the Innovation Connector’s commitment to delivering premium educational experiences that empower entrepreneurs, strengthen organizations, and accelerate business growth. Through expert-led instruction, practical strategies, and meaningful connections, participants will gain the tools and resources to innovate, grow, and create lasting economic impact across Muncie and East Central Indiana.

Unlike traditional seminars or introductory workshops, the Business Impact Masterclasses are immersive learning experiences focused on solving real business challenges. Each standalone Masterclass addresses a critical area of business success, including Marketing Mastery (September 24), Technology That Grows Your Business (October 22), Financial Intelligence for Business Owners (November 19), and Growing a Resilient Business (December 10). Participants will work alongside experienced business professionals, successful entrepreneurs, and industry experts to develop practical work products, implementation strategies, and action plans they can apply immediately within their organizations. Every session includes interactive discussions, peer networking, business tools and templates, lunch, and a certificate of completion. Rather than simply sharing information, the Business Impact Masterclasses are intentionally designed to drive measurable business improvements through practical application and immediate execution. First Merchants Bank is the Title Partner for the Business Impact Masterclasses. Additional partners include Prime Trust Federal Credit Union, Shafer Leadership Academy,  Whitinger & Company, LLC, and Spotted Monkey Marketing. Inquire about additional partnership opportunities by contacting Ted Baker at tbaker@innovationconnector.com.

“The Innovation Connector has always believed that strong businesses create stronger communities,” said Ted Baker, Chief Executive Officer of the Innovation Connector. “The Business Impact Masterclasses are an investment in the people who create jobs, solve problems, and build East Central Indiana’s future. Our goal is to equip entrepreneurs and business leaders with practical knowledge they can apply immediately, enabling better decisions, greater innovation, and accelerated sustainable growth.”

Frank Scott II, Executive Director of the Innovation Connector, said the new initiative is a natural evolution of the organization’s nearly two decades of supporting entrepreneurs across the region. “Every successful business reaches a point where continued growth depends on new knowledge, better systems, and stronger leadership,” Scott said. “These Masterclasses provide business owners with actionable strategies—not just ideas. Participants will leave with practical plans, proven tools, valuable relationships, and the confidence to implement what they’ve learned. Whether preparing to launch a new venture or leading an established company, participants will find this series delivers real value that can strengthen individual businesses while enhancing the entire regional entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

Innovation Connector Board Chair Ron Fauquher said the initiative reflects the organization’s long-term vision of investing in people as the foundation of economic development. “Communities grow when entrepreneurs and business leaders continue to learn and adapt,” Fauquher said. “The Business Impact Masterclasses demonstrate the Innovation Connector’s commitment to providing world-class educational opportunities right here in Muncie. By bringing together experienced professionals, successful entrepreneurs, and local business leaders, we’re creating an environment where knowledge, collaboration, and innovation translate into stronger companies, new jobs, and long-term economic prosperity for East Central Indiana.”

Each Masterclass will run from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Innovation Connector, 1208 W. White River Boulevard in Muncie. Registration is $49 per session and includes access to industry experts, lunch, workshop materials, business resources, take-home templates, and a certificate of completion. Participants may attend individual sessions or complete the entire series. Additional information and registration details are available at www.businessimpactmasterclasses.com. Registration opens on August 3, 2026. Due to limited space, early registration is recommended to secure a seat.

By investing in practical business education and strengthening connections among entrepreneurs, business owners, and community leaders, the Business Impact Masterclasses advance the Innovation Connector’s mission to help businesses start, grow, and succeed, while contributing to East Central Indiana’s long-term economic vitality.

The Innovation Connector will host the next Intersessions Powered by Intersection on Tuesday, July 28th, from 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM. Intersessions is a recurring marketing workshop series that brings together professionals for practical insights, collaboration, and strategy-building. As a proud sponsor of the event, Innovation Connector invites entrepreneurs, business leaders, and marketing professionals to participate in this engaging morning session.

This month’s workshop, “Sales vs. Marketing: The Tug-of-War That’s Costing You Growth,” will feature speaker Derek McClain, Vice President of Business Development at C1 Truck Driver Training. With more than 20 years of experience across sales, marketing, and business development, McClain brings a unique perspective from working on both sides of the table. His approach combines practical, real-world strategies with proven fundamentals that continue to drive results.

When sales and marketing teams are not aligned, businesses can miss valuable opportunities for growth. While both teams share the same goal of attracting customers and driving revenue, miscommunication, disconnected strategies, and unclear processes can create barriers that impact overall success.

During this fast-paced 45-minute session, attendees will move beyond buzzwords and focus on practical tactics that can be implemented immediately. Whether you’re part of a small business or a growing organization, the session will explore how stronger collaboration between sales and marketing can help create more effective strategies and better outcomes.

Key discussion points will include:

• Strategies for improving alignment between sales and marketing teams
• Practical approaches to strengthen communication and collaboration
• Ways businesses can create more effective growth strategies regardless of size or budget
• Real-world tactics that can be applied immediately to support business development

Participants will walk away with actionable insights to help bridge the gap between sales and marketing and create a stronger foundation for sustainable growth.

Event Schedule

The morning agenda will include time for networking, learning, and discussion:

8:00 – 8:30 a.m. – Networking and breakfast
8:30 – 8:45 a.m. – Attendee introductions
8:45 – 8:50 a.m. – Sponsor spotlight
8:50 – 9:30 a.m. – Speaker introduction and presentation
9:30 – 9:35 a.m. – Break and breakfast refill
9:35 – 9:50 a.m. – Q&A session
9:50 – 10:00 a.m. – Final comments, announcements, and adjournment

Interested in attending? Register HERE to secure your spot.

Supporting the Business Community

Events like Intersessions reflect Innovation Connector’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurs, business leaders, and professionals through education, collaboration, and meaningful connections. By bringing together experienced speakers and members of the business community, these sessions provide opportunities to learn practical strategies and gain insights that can help organizations continue to grow.