Muncie Innovation Connector is thrilled to announce that our CEO & Executive Director, Ted Baker, will be attending the 2026 Florida Business Incubation Association (FBIA) Winter Conference at USF CONNECT in Tampa. The conference will take place February 19th – 20th, with sessions on February 19th from 1:15 PM to 7:00 PM and February 20th from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM. 

Since its founding in 1998, the FBIA has supported entrepreneurial support organizations (ESOs) throughout Florida, providing essential tools and resources to help business ecosystems thrive. 

At this year’s winter conference, Ted will present on Innovation Connector’s Business Health Check Program, highlighting the benefits of assessing a business’s overall health. This session will be especially valuable for entrepreneurial support organizations looking to strengthen the businesses they serve. 

The conference will also feature discussions on networking with top ESO leaders, AI innovations and their impact on entrepreneurship, effective mentoring strategies, best practices for supporting clients of an ESO, building innovation ecosystems, business incubation models, and much more. 

“This event is a fantastic opportunity to connect with Florida’s leading entrepreneurship support organizations, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and explore strategies to fuel business incubation and acceleration. I’m looking forward to insightful conversations and meaningful collaborations,” said Baker. 

We are proud to have Ted representing Innovation Connector at this event and look forward to the insights and connections that will help our community continue to grow and thrive. 

At Muncie Innovation Connector, we believe that a strong small business community is a strong Muncie community. That’s why we are committed to supporting local entrepreneurs and helping businesses thrive at every stage. Among the many programs we offer to support local entrepreneurs, the Business Health Check Program stands out as a key resource for providing the tools and insights needed for long-term success. As we ring in the New Year, now is the perfect time for business owners to pause, reflect, and take a closer look at the overall health of their business.

Just as individuals undergo regular physical health checkups to assess their well-being and identify areas for improvement, businesses and organizations can benefit from a periodic Business Health Check. These assessments play a crucial role in understanding a company’s current condition by identifying strengths, uncovering trouble spots, and highlighting opportunities for growth and development. A Business Health Check provides business leaders with meaningful insights into performance, operations, and sustainability, helping determine where immediate attention may be needed and where future planning should be focused. Rather than simply gathering information, the Business Health Check process results in a practical and actionable plan tailored to support both short-term improvements and long-term success.

Participating in a Business Health Check allows business owners to step back from day-to-day operations and view their company through a more strategic lens. The process helps reveal areas that may be limiting progress while also recognizing what is already working well. By identifying key economic indicators specific to the business, owners gain a clearer understanding of financial trends, cash flow, and overall performance. Systematic and regular reviews of financial statements reduce uncertainty and support more confident, informed decision-making.

Beyond financial clarity, the Business Health Check addresses the broader realities of business ownership. Many entrepreneurs feel pressure to handle every challenge on their own, but this program creates a safe and confidential environment where business owners and leaders can openly discuss concerns, ideas, and future plans. This collaborative approach helps alleviate stress, encourages accountability, and often leads to increased profitability and new opportunities for growth and development. Ultimately, it supports long-term health and wellness not only for the business itself, but also for the business owner and leadership team.

By taking the time to understand where your business stands today, you can make informed decisions that lead to a healthier, more resilient future. At Muncie Innovation Connector, we are proud to support local entrepreneurs through this process and to play a role in strengthening the small business community that helps Muncie thrive.

Interested in scheduling a consultation?
Call us at 765.216.5900 or visit our Business Health Check page to learn more.

On January 2nd, Innovation Connector CEO Ted Baker joined Steve Lindell on WMUN’s Delaware County Today for one of the first broadcasts of 2026. During the conversation, Baker shared an overview of the Innovation Connector’s mission and the work being done to support small businesses across the Muncie area.

The Innovation Connector serves as a resource hub for entrepreneurs, startups, and small business owners seeking guidance at any stage of their journey. Baker explained that the organization connects individuals with essential tools such as business coaching, professional contacts, workshops, and other support services designed to help businesses start, grow, and thrive.

“A strong small business community is a strong Muncie community,” said Baker, highlighting the organization’s belief that local entrepreneurs play a critical role in the region’s economic vitality.

During the interview, Baker also reflected on the successes of 2025, expressing gratitude for a year filled with growth and momentum. From a highly successful Business Showcase Week in November to the launch of impactful new initiatives, including the AI Business Learning Connector and the Muncie Regional Mentorship Hub, the Innovation Connector focused on building a strong foundation for long-term impact.

Looking ahead, Baker described 2026 as a “year of implementation.” The Innovation Connector plans not only to continue the programs introduced in 2025, but also to expand them to reach more entrepreneurs throughout the region. A key focus will be ensuring these resources remain accessible, practical, and relevant to the evolving needs of small businesses.

Baker also touched on the growing role of artificial intelligence in the small business landscape. He emphasized the importance of demystifying AI and helping entrepreneurs understand how these tools can be used effectively and responsibly to improve operations, decision-making, and growth.

As the new year begins, the Muncie Innovation Connector is energized by the opportunities ahead and remains committed to strengthening the local business community through education, connection, and innovation.

Listen to the full interview on WMUN.