Muncie and Indiana Garner National Recognition for Event Participation

Muncie, IN – The Innovation Connector, Muncie’s premier center for business resources, is set to host an exciting Business Showcase Week in celebration of Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW), November 18-23, 2024. This dynamic series of events aims to highlight Muncie’s and East Central Indiana’s vibrant entrepreneurial community, providing valuable networking and learning opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs, established businesses, and community leaders alike.

Muncie is being recognized as one of the leading cities in the United States for Global Entrepreneurship Week, ranking second in the nation for cities with the greatest number of events during this worldwide celebration. Additionally, the state of Indiana is setting a national example, earning first place for the largest number of GEW events across the country. Furthermore, the Innovation Connector has achieved fifth place among organizations nationwide for its dedication to offering a robust schedule of GEW events that support entrepreneurship and innovation.

This year’s Business Showcase Week will feature workshops, networking sessions, and celebration! With topics ranging from startup essentials to scaling businesses, the Innovation Connector’s lineup offers something for every stage of business development. The national recognition of Muncie and Indiana in Global Entrepreneurship Week is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in fostering business in Indiana and our community.

The Innovation Connector invites community members, business owners, and leaders to participate in Business Showcase Week. Every event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.

For a full schedule of events and to register, visit showcaseweek.com.

Innovation Connector Team Discuss Upcoming Business Showcase Week on WMUN

On November 8th, Innovation Connector’s CEO and Executive Director Ted Baker, along with Program and Events Director Natalie Smith, joined Steve Lindell on WMUN: The Talk of Muncie, to discuss the much-anticipated 3rd annual Business Showcase Week. This week-long event, happening from November 18th to November 23rd at the Innovation Connector, promises to be a robust celebration filled with opportunities for entrepreneurs, business owners, and leaders to network, learn, and elevate their business ventures.

The Innovation Connector, an Entrepreneur Support Organization (ESO) based in Muncie, has organized 19 FREE events designed to inspire and empower the local business community. Each year, the Innovation Connector assists over 450 different businesses, connecting them with essential resources. Ted Baker remarked, “It’s a joy to see these businesses succeed.” Baker and Smith shared insights on how this event series is crafted to cater to various aspects of business growth, from leadership development to leveraging cutting-edge technology like AI.

Event Highlights:

FRAUD ALERT: Security for Your Business: Facility & Employee, IT & Banking
(November 18, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm)

This essential session will address the multifaceted security risks faced by businesses today. Featuring Muncie Police Chief Nate Sloan and experts from First Merchants Bank, Deltec Solutions, and the Muncie Police Department’s forensic team, attendees will gain practical advice on protecting business facilities, IT infrastructure, and banking operations.

Insights in Leadership: Lessons and Insights From Coaching Athletes
(November 21, 8:30 am – 10:00 am)  

Rich Maloney, Ball State University’s men’s head baseball coach, and Cam Andry, women’s golf coach, will lead a session focused on leadership lessons derived from coaching athletes. This presentation aims to provide valuable takeaways for business and non-profit leaders seeking to enhance their leadership skills.

What you Need to Know if you Plan to Buy or Sell a Business (Including Side Gigs)
(November 21, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm)  

Presented by Muncie entrepreneur Ron Fauquher and M&A expert Ralana D. Abraham-Miller, this practical session will guide attendees through the complexities of buying or selling a business, including side gigs. This interactive workshop is a must-attend for anyone looking to explore business transitions.

Middle-Grade and High-School Lunch & AI/Entrepreneurship Workshop
(November 23, Noon – 2:00 pm)

In a new initiative aimed at younger audiences, Innovation Connector will host an AI and entrepreneurship workshop for students in grades 6–12. Facilitated by Ted Baker, Ryan Hunter, and Matt Wenger, the session will include hands-on learning and lunch, sparking students’ interest in technology and its role in entrepreneurship.

Baker and Smith emphasized that Business Showcase Week is designed to be a platform for education, collaboration, and celebration within the Muncie business community. The diverse lineup of workshops and presentations ensures there is something for everyone interested in enhancing their business knowledge and connecting with like-minded professionals.

Don’t miss out on this chance to learn from top local leaders, expand your network, and fuel your entrepreneurial spirit. Mark your calendars and join the Innovation Connector for a week of inspiration and growth! For more details on our 19 FREE Events or to register, visit showcaseweek.com

To listen to the full WMUN interview, click here

Support Safety at the Innovation Connector: Help Us Purchase an AED!

At the Innovation Connector, the well-being of our community is always a priority. That’s why we’re setting a goal to raise $1,499 to purchase an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) system, a crucial tool in emergency response that can help save lives during sudden cardiac events.

During our upcoming Business Showcase Week, all donated funds will be directed toward this goal. Whether you’re attending a workshop, connecting with fellow entrepreneurs, or exploring new ideas, we invite you to join us in this effort. Your contribution, big or small, brings us one step closer to making our space safer for everyone.

In addition to donating during the week, you can also support this initiative by giving cash or checks directly to our staff. Every dollar counts, and we thank you for helping us create a safer environment for all who walk through our doors!

Thank you for standing with us in this important effort. Let’s come together and make safety a top priority at the Innovation Connector! Click HERE to donate today!

Techwise Academy Announces New Semester of Classes for January – April 2025!

Muncie, Indiana — Techwise Academy is thrilled to announce the launch of its upcoming semester of classes, running from January through April 2025, with programs specifically designed to inspire young learners in coding and computer science. Early Bird registration is now open, providing families with a discounted rate of $165 for the entire semester if enrolled by December 20, 2024. After this date, the semester cost will be $180.

The Tinker Crew program, available to both 1st-2nd and 3rd-5th graders, offers a unique opportunity for Coding Club graduates to dive deeper into coding skills and creative tech applications. This program builds upon the foundational skills learned in Coding Club, and participants must have completed the Coding Club course as a prerequisite. Tinker Crew offers twelve student-led sessions that encourage students to explore their interests in various coding topics, including robotics and game design. With a focus on problem-solving and creativity, Tinker Crew allows young programmers to develop skills at their own pace while exploring areas of interest. Students will also receive a Tinker Crew t-shirt to wear on session days!

Coding Club, available to Kindergarten-2nd and 3rd-5th graders, provides an engaging introduction to coding for young learners. Designed to cover a wide range of coding topics, from programming basics to robotics and game design, this twelve-week program emphasizes exploration and curiosity. The first nine sessions are structured to introduce essential skills, while the final three weeks focus on “Passion Projects,” where students work independently on projects that allow them to apply their newfound knowledge and creativity. Participants in Coding Club will also receive a club t-shirt to wear on session days!

Techwise Academy’s courses offer a dynamic learning environment where students can cultivate problem-solving skills, develop a love for technology, and explore their creativity. By combining structured lessons with self-guided exploration, each session is designed to build confidence and excitement about coding and tech, preparing young learners for future opportunities in the digital world.

Families interested in enrolling are encouraged to act quickly to take advantage of the Early Bird discount available until December 20, 2024. For more information about Techwise Academy’s courses and to register for the January-April 2025 semester, please visit https://techwiseacademy.com/classes/

Business Showcase Week 2024 – A Special Week for the Muncie Community Business Leaders and Entrepreneurs

By: Ted A. Baker, CEO/Executive Director, Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc.

The Muncie Innovation Connector, East Central Indiana’s only full-service Entrepreneurial Support Organization, is thrilled to present Business Showcase Week 2024, November 18 – 23.  All events and workshops will take place at the Innovation Connector, 1208 West White River Blvd, Muncie, and are FREE to attend, but registration is required due to limited space and high demand.  

Business Showcase Week 2024 will include nineteen separate events, including workshops, presentations, panel discussions, networking, and celebrations. This year’s events are directed toward existing business owners, leaders, employees, and entrepreneurs with ideas and future hopes of starting a business. Sessions are designed to provide practical takeaways to benefit attendees as they operate their businesses. Presenters during each session are highly qualified to bring attendees actionable items to improve their businesses.  

Several very popular topics include Security for Your Business: Facility & Employee, IT, and Banking; Empowering Minority-owned, Veteran-owned, Women-owned Businesses: Navigating Opportunities with Local Government, Local Universities, Colleges,  and Muncie Community Schools; Finding Money and Capital to Grow a Business; Business & Tax Strategies for LLCs ad S-Corps; and Moving the Bottom Line of My Business from Negative to Positive – and many more. 

I would like to highlight a few very special events. Business Showcase Week 2024 begins on Monday, November 18 at 8 am with a Kickoff Celebration, including our annual awards presentation for Excellence in Entrepreneurship and a Community Supporter of the Year. It concludes with a Ted Talk about a true account of an overseas encounter that nearly had disastrous results and ended with a great story to tell. 

On Wednesday, November 20, John Qualls from Indy’s Eleven Fifty Academy will lead a cutting-edge, interactive workshop on AI—Prompt Engineering for Executives and Business Leaders. John will show us how to utilize AI in our normal business operations. This workshop will be a game-changer for those who attend. No experience is needed to attend.  Normally, attendees pay $300 or more to attend this workshop, but we offer it free. Again, space is limited, and registration is required.

At 8:30 am on Thursday, November 21, Ball State Coaches Rich Maloney (Baseball) and Cam Andry (Women’s Golf) will provide their Insights in Leadership: Lessons and Insights from Coaching Athletes.  This is a great opportunity for our business community to learn how developing champions on the field or the course can easily transfer to how owners and managers lead their businesses and employees.

For the first time, on Saturday, November 23, from noon – 2 pm, the Innovation Connector will host an interactive session, Middle-Grade and High-School – Lunch and AI/Entrepreneurship Workshop. This is open to students in Grades 6 – 12 who want to learn more about how Artificial Intelligence can assist them to start a business of their own.

I have only highlighted a few of the many events that make up Business Showcase Week 2024.  Again, this year, Business Showcase Week coincides with Global Entrepreneurship Week.  We are proud to bring our best programming to our community and across the globe. None of this would be possible without the generous support of the many sponsors and partners who have invested in our business community. Special thanks go to First Merchants Bank for being the Title Sponsor, the East Central Indiana Regional Planning District, Prime Trust Federal Credit Union, Spotted Monkey Marketing, R & R Engineering Co., Inc., and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation as Business Showcase Support of Excellence Sponsors.  There are so many additional sponsors who make this week possible and special.  For a full list of sponsors, please visit www.SHOWCASEWEEK.com.  

Event registrations are now open at www.SHOWCASEWEEK.com. Remember, all events are FREE to attend, but registration is necessary.  

On behalf of the entire Business Showcase Week 2024 team, we welcome you to join us for this eventful and special week. 

Business Showcase Week: Less Than a Month Away!

Have you heard of Business Showcase Week? From November 18 – 23, Innovation Connector’s Business Showcase Week will be in full swing, offering 19 FREE events for entrepreneurs, business owners, and community leaders as a part of Global Entrepreneurship Week. Whether you’re just learning about it or have already saved the date, this is an event you won’t want to miss. The week is packed with opportunities for growth, connection, and collaboration, catering to businesses of all sizes—from fresh startups to well-established companies looking to expand.

Now, with just weeks to go, preparations are in full swing for a fantastic lineup of events. In October, the Innovation Connector team hit the stage at Muncie on the Move to drum up excitement for Business Showcase Week. Executive Director and CEO Ted Baker, alongside Kirsten Smith, performed an entertaining skit, the “Business Showcase Week Parade.” This lively performance featured signs as “parade floats,” offering attendees a sneak peek at the 19 events lined up for the week.

The Innovation Connector lobby is also decked out with banners promoting the week as anticipation builds. The event series will include everything from networking strategies and AI for business leaders to hands-on workshops about launching new ventures and mastering content marketing. There’s something for everyone including middle school and high school students and they are all free of charge! The insights and connections you gain could be transformative for your business.

Want to stay updated? Tune in to 104.1 WLBC, where Ted is on the radio at different times providing a glimpse of what you can expect during the week. Don’t forget to follow Innovation Connector on social media for event details, speaker information, and any last-minute updates as we get closer to the big week.

A massive thank you goes out to our title sponsor—First Merchants Bank— and the other incredible organizations that have partnered with us to make Business Showcase Week possible. Their generous support allows us to offer these 19 events free of charge, ensuring the entire community can access these valuable resources and opportunities.

Whether you’re a business owner eager to fine-tune your skills, a startup looking to make connections, or just curious about the local business scene, Business Showcase Week has something to offer. With less than a month to go, now is the time to get excited, spread the word, and get signed up! Join us for Business Showcase Week from November 18 – 23. We can’t wait to see you there! Register today at showcaseweek.com.

Innovation Connector Highlights Business Showcase Week at Muncie on the Move

On October 2nd, 2024, Innovation Connector took center stage at Muncie on the Move, a key networking event for the Greater Muncie community hosted by the Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce. The one-hour breakfast program provided an excellent opportunity for businesses and organizations to connect and learn about upcoming initiatives.

As a nonprofit sponsor, Innovation Connector announced that registration is now open for Business Showcase Week 2024, taking place from November 18-23. This exciting week will feature 19 FREE events designed to empower entrepreneurs and business owners. From networking strategies to content marketing, AI for business leaders, and interactive workshops on launching new ventures, Business Showcase Week has something for everyone. Registration is required, so be sure to sign up now at showcaseweek.com!

Innovation Connector’s Executive Director and CEO, Ted Baker, along with Kirsten Smith, captivated the audience with an entertaining skit called the “Business Showcase Week Parade.” During this lively presentation, participants held signs that acted as “floats” for the parade showcasing the week’s lineup, offering a sneak peek at some of the 19 free events. These include workshops like “Why Networking Should Never Grow Old,” focused on successful networking strategies, and “Content Distribution: What to Consider and How to Maximize Your Investment,” led by local marketing agency Intersection. Other highlights include an interactive workshop on starting your own business and an AI-focused session, “Prompt Engineering for Executives and Business Leaders.”

The excitement kicks off at 8 a.m. on Monday, November 18, with a Kickoff Celebration featuring coffee, donuts, special welcomes, and the presentation of awards to local entrepreneurs. Whether you’re a startup or an established business, the week will offer valuable opportunities to grow, connect, and collaborate with fellow entrepreneurs and industry leaders.

Innovation Connector extends a heartfelt thank you to Title Sponsor First Merchants Bank and all other sponsors for making Business Showcase Week 2024 possible. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity—register today at showcaseweek.com to secure your spot for this transformative week of education, celebration, and collaboration!

Celebrating Indiana Women in Tech Week…The Muncie Way

Muncie, IN [September 9, 2024] – Celebrating Indiana Women in Tech Week…The Muncie Way is scheduled for Tuesday, September 17, from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM, at the Multi-Purpose Room at Ivy Tech Community College, Muncie (345 S. High Street, Muncie, IN 47305). The event is being hosted in correlation to the inaugural Indiana Women IN Tech week from September 15-22. “The Muncie Indiana Women in Tech Week event is an excellent opportunity for young women in tech to be inspired by and network with current tech professionals says Kirsten Smith, Associate Director of the Center for Information and Communication Sciences (CICS) at Ball State University. 

IvyWorks-IWiT Muncie, Center for Information and Communication Science (CICS), Ball State University, Innovation Connector, and Women in Tech at Ivy Tech (WiT@IvT) are joining to network and celebrate Indiana Women in Tech Week. Ivy Tech student Erica Blouse hopes the message of belonging will be shared at this event. “I encourage female tech students to attend our celebration of Indiana Women IN Technology Week. There are many opportunities to network with others who have journeyed along our same path. This is a place to share ideas and to hear what IS possible. I wanted all the women in technology to understand this: You belong.” 

The event will feature two networking sessions, lunch, and an all-female IT professional panel. Co-organizer Dr. Funmi Olorunda, Professor and Department Chair of IT at Ivy Tech Muncie, states, “This is a fantastic opportunity for us to come together, celebrate each other, and connect with fellow female professionals and allies in the field. It’s a chance to share our experiences, learn from one another, and grow our professional networks.” The event also features a keynote from Linda Calvin, the founder of Indiana Women in Tech Week. 

This event is free, but registration is required. Registration is available at https://www.indianawomenintechweek.com/events. For all questions regarding the event, please get in touch with Dr. Funmi Olorunda at oolorunda@ivytech.edu. 

For media inquiries, please get in touch with Kristen Smith at kirstensmith@bsu.edu. 

Women in Tech Week 

Women IN Tech Week is a dedicated celebration aimed at illuminating the stories and contributions of remarkable women who bring immense value to the Technology industry. In a world where diversity and inclusion are paramount, this week-long event stands as a beacon, casting a spotlight on the incredible women shaping the landscape of technology. Please visit www.indianawomenintechweek.com for more information. 

New Book Study: “Holy Habits: 10 Small Decisions That Lead to a Big Life”

We are excited to announce a new book study series starting September 11th. Join us for a transformative five-session book study on Noah Herrin’s inspiring book, “Holy Habits: 10 Small Decisions That Lead to a Big Life.” Leading the study is Mr. Ted Ward. Starting on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, from 7:30-8:30 am, with additional sessions on September 25, October 9, October 23, and November 6, this study will guide you through ten impactful habits designed to deepen your spiritual life and bring you closer to Jesus. The sessions will take place at the Muncie Innovation Connector, located at 1208 West White River Blvd., Muncie, IN 47303.

 

For more information and to register click here.

Office Space for Rent

Are you looking for the perfect office space? Look no further, The Innovation Connector has a rare opportunity with office space available now. With so many different perks like having coworking space, a kitchen area, lobby space, training rooms and much more, this is the place to be for your business!

This rare opportunity to secure a workspace in such a dynamic setting won’t last long. Our central location, modern facilities, and supportive atmosphere make us the perfect place to grow your business. Take advantage of our amazing amenities highlighted below

Adjustable desks
High-speed WiFi
Unique Business Address &
Mailbox Color Copier, Scanner, Printer & Fax
Electronic Building & Office Security
Great Parking
24/7 Access and So Much More!

Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or leading a growing team, this space would be perfect just for you! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to elevate your business in an environment designed for success.

Ready to find your perfect workspace? Stop by today at 1208 W. White River Blvd., Muncie, IN 47303, or click here to learn more about our space.  to start working or to learn more about our available office. We’d love to show you around and help you discover how the Innovation Connector can be the key to your business’s success. Join us and become part of a thriving community where innovation happens every day.