Business Impact Masterclasses

4 Masterclasses

Attend One or All Four.

A four-part series of premium, action-oriented sessions for business owners and entrepreneurs. Attend the one masterclass that fits your needs, or complete the full series.

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Practical Business Education. Actionable Strategies. Measurable Results.

Successful businesses are built on more than great ideas — they require continuous learning, strategic decision-making, and practical implementation. The Business Impact Masterclasses, powered by the Muncie Innovation Connector, help entrepreneurs, startups, and small to mid-sized businesses gain the knowledge, tools, and confidence to grow.

Each masterclass is a standalone, immersive learning experience built around real business challenges. You’ll work alongside experienced professionals, industry experts, and peers to explore strategies you can put to use immediately — and leave with completed work products, not just notes.

4 Masterclasses

Marketing Mastery: Marketing That Drives Growth

When: Thursday, September 24, 2026 | 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Where: Innovation Connector

Learn how today’s most successful businesses attract customers, build trusted brands, and create marketing systems that generate measurable results.

Topics include:

· Strategic marketing planning

· Digital marketing and social media

· Customer engagement

· Branding and positioning

· AI-powered marketing tools

· Content strategy

· Lead generation

· Marketing analytics

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Technology That Grows Your Business

When: Thursday, October 22, 2026 | 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Where: Innovation Connector

Technology continues to reshape every industry. This Masterclass helps business owners identify and implement practical technology solutions that increase efficiency, improve customer experiences, and support business growth.

Topics include:

· Artificial Intelligence applications

· Automation tools

· Cybersecurity fundamentals

· Business software solutions

· Data-driven decision making

· Cloud technologies

· Technology planning

· Digital transformation strategie

Financial Intelligence for Business Owners

When: Thursday, November 19, 2026 | 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Where: Innovation Connector

Strong financial management is one of the most important factors in business success. This Masterclass provides practical financial knowledge that business owners can immediately apply.

Topics include:

· Financial statement analysis

· Cash flow management

· Budgeting

· Pricing strategies

· Funding opportunities

· Financial forecasting

· Key performance indicators

· Business valuation basics

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Financial Intelligence for Business Owners

When: Thursday, December 10, 2026 | 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Where: Innovation Connector

Growth requires intentional planning, leadership, and execution. This Masterclass focuses on helping businesses scale strategically while building long-term sustainability.

Topics include:

· Strategic planning

· Business growth models

· Sales systems

· Leadership development

· Hiring and retaining talent

· Operational excellence

· Business resilience

· Succession and long-term planning

What Makes Business Impact Masterclasses Different?

Every Business Impact Masterclass is intentionally designed to move beyond theory. Rather than simply listening to presentations, participants will leave with completed work products, implementation strategies, and practical action plans.

Each session includes:

· Four to five in-depth sessions led by experienced business professionals and subject matter experts.

· Interactive panel discussions featuring successful entrepreneurs and business leaders.

· Hands-on working sessions where participants actively develop plans, strategies, and solutions.

· Practical tools, templates, checklists, and resources that participants can immediately use in their businesses.

· Peer networking opportunities that encourage collaboration and relationship building.

· Real-world examples, case studies, and proven best practices.

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Masterclass 1, September 24 | Marketing Mastery: Marketing That Drives Business Growth

Class Begins:

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Build the strategy that gets you customers.

Learn how today’s most successful businesses attract customers, build trusted brands, and create marketing systems that generate measurable results — from branding and customer discovery to AI-powered marketing tools and lead generation.

  • Date: Thursday, September 24, 2026

  • Time: 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

  • Location: Innovation Connector, 1208 W. White River Blvd, Muncie, IN 47303

  • Format: Four sessions, working lunch, peer panel

  • Session 1 - Building a Brand that Builds your Business

    Building a Brand That Builds Your Business

    Presenter: Greg Zirkle, Ball State University

    Learn how effective branding builds customer trust, increases sales, and fuels long-term business growth.

  • Session 2 - From Customer Discovery to Customer Acquisition

    From Customer Discovery to Customer Acquisition

    Presenter: Amanda Findlay, MatchBOX Studios – Lafayette, Indiana

    Learn how to identify your ideal customers, validate market demand, and develop strategies to attract and retain them.

  • Session 3 - Marketing That Works: Building a Strategy to Grow Your Business

    Marketing That Works: Building a Strategy to Grow Your Business

    Presenter: Susan Conyers, Senior Director, Brand & Consumer Marketing, First Merchants Bank

    Learn how to create a marketing plan that attracts customers, builds lasting relationships, and drives sustainable business growth.

  • Session 4 - Marketing Tools That Grow Your Business

    Marketing Tools That Grow Your Business

    Presenter: Matt Wenger, Independent Marketing Professional

    Discover practical marketing tools that help attract customers, save time, streamline your marketing efforts, and increase sales.

  • Session 5 - Peer Panel

    Peer Perspectives: Real-World Marketing Success
    Facilitator: Ted Baker
    Panelists:
    • Ashli Smith, Owner, Spotted Monkey Marketing
    • Ben Polk, Head of Marketing, Prime Trust Federal Credit Union
    • Andrew Dawson, Director of Product Management & Marketing, Muncie Power Products
    • C. Daniel Graham, Sr., Executive Director, InerG Impact

    Hear how experienced business leaders have overcome marketing challenges, adapted to changing markets, and built successful growth strategies.

Registration Includes:

$49 / person
  • Masterclass materials, tools & templates
  • Lunch
  • Certificate of Completion