Free BEST Workshops for Business Owners & Entrepreneurs This August

Small business owners and entrepreneurs—mark your calendars! The ECI Regional Planning District, in collaboration with the Innovation Connector, is hosting another series of BEST (Business Enterprise Services & Training) Workshops this August. Whether you’re launching a startup or expanding your current business, these FREE sessions are filled with practical tools, valuable insights, and encouraging guidance to help you move forward.

August 4 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Jay County Public Library (Community Room)
315 N Ship St, Portland, IN
Workshop Topic: Business Health Check: Moving the Bottom Line from Negative to Positive
Take time to evaluate your business performance. This session will guide you through identifying financial trouble spots and teach you how to apply strategies that strengthen your financial outlook.

Register HERE 

August 11 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Marion-Grant County Chamber of Commerce (2nd Floor Conference Room)
217 S Adams St, Marion, IN
Workshop Topic: Client Services & Godly Business Practices
Learn how to serve clients with excellence while incorporating values-based principles into your business. This session focuses on building strong client relationships through integrity and meaningful service.

Register HERE 

August 21 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (WORKSHOP CANCELED)
Location: West Jay Community Center, Dunkirk
125 Hoover St, Dunkirk, IN
Workshop Topic: Side Hustles & Credit Score Essentials for Entrepreneurs
Explore our September BEST Workshop HERE.

Presenter: Ted Baker, Executive Director & CEO of the Muncie Innovation Connector, brings years of experience in helping businesses thrive. This event is powered by the ECI Regional Planning District in collaboration with the Innovation Connector.

These workshops are free and open to the public—ideal for small business owners, side gig seekers, and aspiring entrepreneurs throughout East Central Indiana. Join other local leaders and leave with knowledge you can put to work right away. Registration is not required, but it is recommended! We look forward to seeing you there!

Innovation Connector Closed for Independence Day

The Innovation Connector will be closed on Thursday, July 3rd and Friday, July 4th in observance of Independence Day.

We will reopen with normal business hours on Monday, July 7th. Wishing you a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend!

Upcoming BEST Workshop: Marketing Strategies & Work/Life Balance Tips for Small Businesses

Innovation Connector is partnering with the ECI Regional Planning District to host a FREE BEST (Business Enterprise Services & Training) Workshop for small business owners and entrepreneurs in Marion, Indiana. The event will be held on Monday, July 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Ivy Tech Marion’s Community Room (261 Commerce Dr, Marion, IN).

Leading the workshop is Ted Baker, Executive Director and CEO of Innovation Connector, who will cover two key areas:

  • Smart, effective marketing strategies

  • Practical tools for maintaining a healthy work/life balance

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to sharpen your approach, this session will offer actionable insights to help your business grow and thrive.

The workshop is free and open to the public, with no registration required. Attendees should use the main entrance at Ivy Tech—staff at the front desk will direct you to the Community Room. A sign-in sheet will be available upon arrival.

This session is part of an ongoing series of BEST Workshops powered by ECI Regional Planning District in collaboration with partners like Innovation Connector. More events are planned across the region in the coming months.

Questions? Contact the Innovation Connector at (765) 216-5900 or ECI Regional Planning District at (765) 717-5648.

Stay connected with Innovation Connector for more events, trainings, and business support opportunities.

Muncie’s Innovation Moment: Why Supporting Entrepreneurs Strengthens Us All

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

Muncie is a city rooted in resilience, creativity, and community pride. As we look ahead to our future, it’s clear that innovation and entrepreneurship must play a leading role in shaping what’s next. That’s why having a full-service Entrepreneur Support Organization (ESO) like the Muncie Innovation Connector is not just a benefit to our city — it’s a catalyst for long-term growth and opportunity.

The Innovation Connector is Muncie and East Central Indiana’s central hub for innovation-driven startups, growing businesses, and nonprofits alike. It offers a wide range of services, including business advising and coaching, accounting assistance, access to free coworking space, networking events, and flexible office space for lease. Whether launching your first venture or leading a decades-old organization, the Innovation Connector exists to help you thrive.

Its diverse lineup of programs is designed to meet real needs in real time. The Business Health Check provides entrepreneurs with a deep dive into their company’s operational strengths and challenges. The AI Business Learning Connector equips business leaders with the knowledge and tools to harness artificial intelligence. The Greater Muncie Mentorship Hub will connect experienced professionals with those eager to learn and grow — creating a ripple effect of wisdom and encouragement across our community. (This program will begin in July 2025.)

And that’s just the beginning. Through initiatives like the Podcast Connector, the TechWise Academy for coding and digital literacy for students K-12, and Soft Landings for welcoming international businesses, the Innovation Connector ensures Muncie is both future-ready and globally connected. These programs not only support individual success but also fuel job creation and economic vibrancy for the entire region.

This ESO doesn’t operate in isolation. It’s deeply embedded in the local fabric, offering resources to nonprofits and existing small businesses, including back-office support, strategy sessions, and community-building events. Signature events like Business Showcase Week and Global Entrepreneurship Week 2025 spotlight local talent, helping attract investment and foster civic pride.

“What we envisioned when we founded the Innovation Connector was a place that could remove barriers for entrepreneurs and foster real innovation right here in Muncie,” said Ron Fauquher, Board Chair and one of the organization’s founding members. “Today, that vision is alive and thriving — and it’s helping build the future of our city, one idea at a time.”

Ted A. Baker, CEO and Executive Director of the Innovation Connector, adds: “We’re here to support people with vision — whether they’re just getting started or looking to scale. Our goal is to make Muncie a place where innovation happens every day, and where every entrepreneur feels like they belong and can succeed.”

If you’re a community leader, business owner, or simply someone with a big idea and a willingness to learn, now is the time to engage. Contact the Innovation Connector today at 765-216-5900 or email nsmith@innovationconnector.com to find out how you or your organization can plug in. Learn more online at www.innovationconnector.com.

Muncie’s next chapter is being written right now — and thanks to the Innovation Connector, we all have a chance to help shape it.

Welcoming Carter Fauquher to the Innovation Connector Team

We’re thrilled to introduce our standout Summer Intern, Carter Fauquher! Each year, the Innovation Connector seeks to bring in bright, driven students who are passionate about entrepreneurship and eager to learn, and Carter fits that description perfectly. With a strong interest in entrepreneurship and technology, Carter is already making a meaningful impact during his time with us.

Carter is a junior at Indiana University, where he is studying Business Informatics. His academic interests align closely with his passion for real estate, entrepreneurship, and technology. A Yorktown High School graduate, Carter was a dedicated member of the soccer team for four years and now channels his competitive spirit as part of IU’s jujitsu team.

As an intern, Carter has hit the ground running. “I’ve learned more here in a couple months than school could ever teach you,” he shared. “It really puts you in the shoes of the real world.” One of his favorite projects so far has been working alongside CEO Ted Baker on the “Meet One Entrepreneur” podcast, an exciting new series where local business owners from East Central Indiana share their journeys and insights into entrepreneurship.

Carter’s eagerness to learn, his hands-on approach, and his entrepreneurial mindset make him a valuable addition to the Innovation Connector. We’re proud to support his growth and look forward to seeing all he accomplishes during his internship and beyond!

Get Your Business Financially Fit

Running a successful business takes more than a great product or a loyal customer base—it takes a solid understanding of your financials. At the Innovation Connector, we know that many entrepreneurs and small business owners are experts in their craft but often lack confidence when it comes to the financial side of their operations. The number one topic entrepreneurs bring to our team? Business finances. It’s also the most common area where we see preventable mistakes that can lead to business failure. That’s why the Innovation Connector offers tailored financial support to help clients build the knowledge and confidence they need to stay on track. We can assist with:

  • Reviewing financial statements and payroll procedures

  • Creating cash flow statements and proformas

  • Discussing potential funding opportunities

  • Exploring the importance of credit scores and how to strengthen them

  • Providing referrals to trusted banks, lending institutions, and accounting professionals

No matter your business stage, we can help you better understand your numbers so you can make smarter decisions.

Accounting and Bookkeeping Services

Our financial services team is also equipped to support your ongoing bookkeeping and accounting needs through QuickBooks. Whether you’re seeking guidance on a specific question or need a partner to manage your full accounting workload, we can help.

Our flexible services include:

  • Payroll processing

  • Accounts payable and receivable

  • One-on-one QuickBooks training

  • Ongoing bookkeeping and financial recordkeeping

We’ll meet you where you are—whether you need just an hour of support or more extensive accounting services each month.

Ready to gain clarity and control over your business finances?
Contact the Innovation Connector today to schedule a consultation and learn how our team can help support your financial success.

POSTPONED-Upcoming Workshop: Finding Your Brand’s Signal – How to Be Known, Trusted, and Unforgettable

POSTPONED UNTIL SEPTEMBER

Date: Tuesday, June 17
 Time: 9:00 – 10:30 AM
 Location: Innovation Connector
 Presented by: Lindsay Hotmire, Identity Coach & Strategic Advisor
Reserve your spot HERE

Every brand tells a story—but not every story sticks.

Many businesses have the basics: a tagline, a mission statement, maybe even a compelling origin. But when that story fails to connect or leaves people unimpressed, the issue often runs deeper than messaging. It’s about the signal your brand is sending.

Join us at the Innovation Connector for an interactive workshop led by Lindsay Hotmire, an experienced identity coach and strategic advisor who helps businesses and professionals find clarity in times of transition. This session will challenge the way you think about brand building—and show you how to transform your story into something truly resonant.

What You’ll Gain from This Workshop:

  • A deeper understanding of how your brand’s story functions as a signal—and why that signal matters
  • A practical, four-step framework to help you identify and refine your unique brand narrative
  • Tools to evaluate how your message is perceived and align it more closely with your values and goals
  • Language strategies that are grounded in authenticity—not fleeting marketing trends

This is not a conventional branding session. It’s a fresh take on how your story shapes perception, builds trust, and sets the tone for how your business shows up in the world.

Who Should Attend?

This workshop is ideal for:

  • Business owners who want to connect more meaningfully with their audience
  • Marketing professionals seeking more clarity and alignment in their messaging
  • Creative entrepreneurs and consultants ready to rethink their brand identity
  • Anyone who feels like their current story isn’t quite hitting the mark

Seats are limited. Reserve your spot today and begin the work of turning your brand’s story into a lasting signal. 

Innovation Connector Launches Two Signature Programs to Support the Greater Muncie Business Community

At the Innovation Connector, innovation isn’t just part of our name—it’s at the heart of everything we do. For more than two decades, we’ve remained committed to one guiding question:
“What creative solutions can we discover to make real and meaningful differences in our local and regional entrepreneurial ecosystem?”

By engaging with hundreds of local businesses and entrepreneurs each year, we stay attuned to current needs and identify critical gaps within the small business landscape. In response to these insights, we are excited to announce the launch of two new initiatives designed to serve and strengthen the business community in Muncie and East Central Indiana:

The AI Business Learning Connector

As a regional business development and support leader, the Innovation Connector is proud to introduce the AI Business Learning Connector. This innovative program merges artificial intelligence with personalized business coaching and consulting. This initiative is designed to equip business owners with the skills to integrate AI into their operations and drive measurable growth successfully.

A structured, five-part curriculum provides comprehensive and practical training in AI tools and strategies relevant to small and growing businesses. The AI Business Learning Connector offers three distinct engagement options:

  • Option 1: Group Training Sessions
    Ideal for those new to AI, these sessions introduce key concepts and practical applications in a collaborative setting.
  • Option 2: One-on-One Coaching
    Personalized consulting tailored specifically to your business, offering hands-on, focused support based on your unique needs and goals.
  • Option 3: Customized Team Training
    Tailored programs for your internal teams or departments, focusing on AI applications that enhance your company’s specific functions and priorities.

All program options are fee-based. For details or to determine the best option for your business, please contact Ted Baker at tbaker@innovationconnector.com or call 765-216-5955.

Muncie Regional Mentor Hub (MRMH)

Launching July 2025 – In partnership with the City of Muncie

Recognizing the need for accessible and structured mentorship, the Innovation Connector and the City of Muncie are launching the Muncie Regional Mentor Hub (MRMH). This initiative addresses a key service gap by connecting aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners with experienced mentors who can offer practical guidance, encouragement, and access to valuable networks.

The MRMH will also serve as a regional resource platform, linking Entrepreneurial Support Organizations (ESOs) across East Central Indiana. The hub will foster shared learning, program coordination, and cross-county mentor engagement by facilitating collaboration across county lines- a long-standing challenge in our region.

If you’re interested in becoming a mentor or mentee, please contact Natalie Smith at nsmith@innovationconnector.com or call 765-216-5900.

These programs reaffirm the Innovation Connector’s mission to empower entrepreneurs and accelerate business success throughout the region.

And one final note:
Mark your calendars for Business Showcase Week 2025, November 17–22, as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week. This event promises to be the largest and most impactful celebration of entrepreneurship in the U.S.—perhaps even the world. Stay tuned for more information coming soon.

Innovation Connector: Our Premium Strategic Planning Services

At the Muncie Innovation Connector, we’re known for offering professional office spaces, training rooms, and workshops—but our support for entrepreneurs and business leaders goes far beyond that. We are a hub for innovation, strategy, and growth, dedicated to helping you and your business thrive year-round.

As we approach the midpoint of the year, now is the perfect time to pause and reflect:

  • Are you meeting the evolving needs of your customers?
  • What are your business’s weaknesses—and how can you turn them into strengths?
  • Are you making the most of today’s technology to operate more efficiently and competitively?

These questions are just the beginning—and we’re here to help you answer them.

Our Premium Strategic Planning Services are designed for business owners and organizational leaders who want to take their operations to the next level. Whether you’re an established business looking to reassess your direction or a startup preparing for growth, our experienced team members are ready to guide you through a proven planning process that results in actionable insights and measurable goals.

We know that business is never static. As your company grows, so must your strategy. Shifts in customer behavior, market trends, and technology demand agile thinking and thoughtful planning. That’s why we partner with you to understand where your business stands—and where it could go.

When you choose our Premium Strategic Planning Services, our dedicated Innovation Connector team will work closely with your leadership group. Together, you’ll examine key performance areas, identify opportunities for innovation, and create a clear, customized roadmap for the months ahead. Our approach is hands-on, collaborative, and practical—focused on helping you build a strategy that drives results.

At the Innovation Connector, we believe that strategic planning is not just a one-time event—it’s a mindset. And the best time to start thinking strategically about the rest of your year is right now.

Let us help you move forward with purpose, clarity, and confidence.

Ready to take the next step?
Contact us today at 765.216.5900 to learn more about our Premium Strategic Planning Services and how they can benefit your business. Want to see everything we offer? Explore our services page today!

Closed for Memorial Day

In observance of Memorial Day, the Innovation Connector team will be out of the office on Monday, May 26. While our staff will be unavailable, clients will continue to have full access to their offices and facilities as usual. We wish everyone a safe and meaningful holiday as we honor those who have served!