Plug into

a network of business resources

About What We Do and Who We Are

Biz Starts Here

If you want to start or grow your business in the East Central Indiana community, the Innovation Connector is THE place to plug into a network of business support.

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

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Economic Impact
Biz Starts Here

The Importance of Small Business

Our Mission, Vision, and Values

The Innovation Connector exists for one purpose: to help new entrepreneurs with truly unique business ideas turn their dreams into a reality. Our mission, vision explain exactly what we do and why we do it.

Mission 

Vision
To see job creation by providing guidance and entrepreneurial resources for individuals seeking to start or grow businesses in East Central Indiana Our passion is to see that each person who has a dream to start or grow a business has every resource to be successful and the economy of East Central Indiana flourishes

Our Values
These are the guiding principles that we follow when serving our clients and community

We are Accessible
We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where people of all backgrounds can find their place and succeed

We are Welcoming
We start with “how can we help” and seek to remove barriers for our clients

We are Encouraging
We are positive, honest, and celebrate the progress of our clients

We are Connectors
We play well with others and will open any door to assist our clients

We are Adaptable
We understand markets change and we are not afraid to try new things to serve our community

We are Knowledgeable
We leverage our expertise to accelerate the process and likelihood of success for our clients

Our Business Timeline

  • 2002

    The Beginning

    The Innovation Connector became a reality when William Skinner became the organization’s first executive director. Initially, the Innovation Connector was located in a residential space on Marsh Street adjacent to Ball State University.

  • 2003

    The First Business

    The first business, ANERIST, moved into the Innovation Connector. In 2004, the incubator expanded to three additional homes on Marsh Street.

  • 2004

    Certified Tech Park

    The former Aero Forge property was designated at a Certified Technology Park by the State of Indiana. Soon thereafter, the Aero Forge plant was demolished to make way for new development on the site. Pathologist Associated Labs, and subsequently Whitinger & Company, an accounting, and financial management company, built new headquarters on the site.

  • 2006

    The Interim Facility

    The Innovation Connector moved to an interim facility in downtown Muncie.

  • 2007

    Construction

    The Innovation Connector board of directors approved plans for the construction of a 15,000 sq. ft. facility to be located at the Ontario Place Certified Technology Park.

  • 2008 - 2009

    Our New Building

    The Innovation Connector’s headquarters was completed in the Ontario Place Certified Technology Park.

  • 2010 – 2012

    New Executive Director

    In 2010, the IC welcomed Ted Baker as the new Executive Director and promoted Lori Albert to Financial Director.  During this time, the IC number of businesses that call the IC home has increased to over twenty businesses.  In order to assist with this growth, the IC Board of Directors has added several new board members to assist in governance and to expand the impact of the work at the IC.

  • 2013

    The Landing Zone

    The Landing Zone opened on January 1, 2013 as a dedicated co-working space located in the Muncie Innovation Connector. Funding for the construction, equipment, and furnishings of the Landing Zone was provided by The Community Foundation of Muncie & Delaware County and Garmong Construction Services.

  • 2014

    The Downtown Business Connector

    The IC joined the City of Muncie in a collaborative project sharing in the creation and management of the Downtown Business Connector located on the floor level of The Lofts of Roberts (historic landmark, formerly The Roberts Hotel) at 420 South High Street in Downtown Muncie.

  • 2015

    Excellence In Innovation Awards Banquet

    In order to celebrate Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the Muncie community, the Innovation Connector launched The Excellence in Innovation Awards Banquet.   This event showcased “Innovation Champions” and served as a platform for the Finals of the BIG Idea Pitch.  Winners of the yearly Excellent in Innovation Awards are proudly displayed of the Innovation Wall of Fame at the Innovation Connector.

  • 2016-2017

    The Coding Connector

    With the support of The George and Frances Ball Foundation and AT&T of Indiana, the Coding Connector was started.  This initiative serves K-12 youth with computer coding, robotics, and other high-tech skill building.  The Innovation Connector partnered with TechWise Academy to provide teaching and training for Coding Connector courses. Office space at the Innovation Connector remained at a premium with very few offices becoming available.

  • 2018

    Ten Year Celebration

    Ten-year celebration of the Innovation Connector’s facility was capped off with a reception and the dedication of Conference Room Suite # 114 as the Ronald K. Fauquher Innovation Point.  Ron was instrumental in the startup and continued success of the Innovation Connector and its new facility.

  • 2019

    Wall of Donors

    The Innovation Connector dedicated the James and Marguerite Amos Wall of Donors to recognize and honor its funding partners.  Office space at the Innovation Connector remained at near capacity.

  • 2020

    The Pandemic Year

    The year of challenges and changes – the Pandemic Year! To serve the needs of businesses and organizations in the Muncie community, the Innovation Connector reached out beyond its facility’s borders.  Business services of all kinds were provided to any business or organization who requested assistance – serving over 125 businesses in the first few weeks following the Covid-19 shutdown.

    Also during 2020, Carter Anderson was hired to facilitate many of the new programs that were started to help businesses due to the impact of Covid-19. He later was promoted to the Innovation Connector’s first Associate Director.

The Small (but Mighty) Innovation Connector Team!

Ted Baker

Ted Baker

Executive Director & CEO
Lori Albert

Lori Albert

Financial Director
Natalie Smith

Natalie Smith

Program and Events Coordinator

The Innovation Connector Board Members

Ronald K. Fauquher

President & CEO
Ontario Systems
IC Board Chairman

James Borgmann

Attorney
Defur Voran
IC Board Secretary/Treasurer

Jeff Parsons

Market President
First Merchants Bank

Stefan Anderson

Retired
First Merchants Corporation
IC Director Emeritus

Kirsten Smith

Associate Director
Technology Office and Labs Manager Center For Information and Communication Sciences
Ball State University 

Ted Baker

CEO & Executive Director
Innovation Connector 

Donald Engel

CEO
Deltec Solutions, Inc. 

Dr. Matt Marvel

Entrepreneurship Center Director
Ball State University 

Ready to grow your business at the Innovation Connector?

We’d love to meet with you! Click the button to the right to contact us.

Contact the IC!