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

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!

Save the Date: Business Showcase Week is Back for 2024!

The 3rd Annual Business Showcase Week is set to return in 2024, November 18th-23rd! Over the past two years, the Innovation Connector has proudly hosted Entrepreneur Showcase Week, providing a platform to learn, celebrate, and network with local entrepreneurs. Save the dates: November 18th-23rd. Stay tuned for more details in the coming months—Business Showcase Week 2024 is shaping up to be the best one yet!

Recap of the 2023 Entrepreneur Showcase Week

From the Kickoff Celebration and Awards to the Big Idea Pitch Competition and a spectrum of enriching workshops, the 2023 Entrepreneur Showcase Week at the Innovation Connector stands as a testament to the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit in the Muncie community. 

The 2023 Entrepreneur Showcase Week kicked off in style with a lively celebration at the Innovation Connector on Monday, November 13. Several awards were presented at the event including:

  • The 2023 Technology Business Entrepreneur of the Year, Travis Street from CTS Multifamily IT Solutions; 
  • The 2023 Life-Style Business Entrepreneur of the Year, Jeff and Debra Williams, from the Williams Carpet Shop; 
  • The 2023 Food and Beverage Business Entrepreneur of the Year, Mike Robinson and Chad Massoth from Amazing Joe’s; 
  • The 2023 Business Supporters of the Year, Bill Walters (ECI Regional Planning District) and Brad Bookout (Augusta Consulting, LLC); 
  • The 2023 Community Impact Entrepreneur of the Year, Mike Martin from The Common Market; 
  • The 2023 Champion Entrepreneur of the Year, Frank Scott II from K & B Car Wash-Detail; and 
  • The 2023 Champion Entrepreneurs of the Year, Jennifer and Tom Sheridan from Gibson Arena. 

These remarkable individuals and businesses deserve to be celebrated as they exemplify the spirit of entrepreneurship, inspiring others with their passion, perseverance, and dedication. Owning a business is no easy career path. Therefore, we commend them for their incredible achievements and wish them nothing but success in their future endeavors. 

As this Entrepreneur Showcase Week was the second annual event of its kind, the Innovation Connector meticulously curated a series of events and engaging speakers, keenly attuned to the diverse needs of Muncie’s entrepreneurs and business owners. Throughout the week, a wide array of workshops delved into pivotal topics essential for budding and seasoned entrepreneurs alike. 

The workshop sessions covered a spectrum of themes, ranging from foundational aspects such as ‘How to Start Your Own Business’ and ‘The Fundamentals of Business’ encompassing Marketing, Finance, HR & Employee Management, to more nuanced subjects like ‘The Art of the Side Hustle’ and ‘Building Resilient People and Teams’. These sessions also addressed critical challenges, including ‘Managing Your Business During Tough Times’ and empowering discussions on ‘Overcoming Challenges for Women and Minorities in Business’. Plus a variety of other topics and discussions. 

This year also marked the resurgence of The Big Idea Pitch Competition, after a year hiatus. On November 16, entrepreneurs and innovators pitched their ideas to a panel of judges. There were two divisions this year: Lifestyle and Technology. The top achievers in the Lifestyle Division were Molly McGuire, securing the first-place position, followed by Andy Markelz in second place. In the Technology Division, two talented Ball State Entrepreneurship students triumphed: Will Pancake claimed the first-place spot, while Reid Glassen secured second place. Each first-place winner was awarded a prize of $5,000, while those achieving second place won a prize of $2,500 each. As the Big Idea Pitch ran for 8 years previously, the Innovation Connector was pleased to see it return better than ever. We would like to extend a congratulations to all the winners and a big thank you to all the participants for taking the leap to pitch their innovative ideas. 

Collaboration played a pivotal role in the success of this showcase. The Innovation Connector extends its gratitude to Ball State University’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute for hosting several events at their premises. This collaborative effort exemplifies the shared mission of empowering and celebrating local entrepreneurs.

A vibrant atmosphere pervaded the showcase, not only through insightful discussions but also with moments of refreshment. F45 Training treated attendees to Jack’s Donuts during the Kickoff Celebration and Awards, while Pizza King, Café at the Crossing, and Chick-Fil-A provided food items throughout the week! This ensured that everyone stayed fueled and engaged during the events.

None of this would have been possible without the generous support of sponsors. The Innovation Connector extends its sincere appreciation to the title sponsor, First Merchants Bank, for their continuous support. Additionally, immense gratitude goes out to all the sponsors whose invaluable contributions made Entrepreneur Showcase Week a resounding success.

The 2023 Entrepreneur Showcase Week encapsulated a week of innovation, collaboration, and celebration! It served as a beacon for aspiring entrepreneurs, fostering a community of support and learning and setting the stage for continued growth and success in Muncie’s entrepreneurial landscape. 

Big Idea Pitch 2023 Recap

The Big Idea Pitch Competition returned this year as part of Entrepreneur Showcase Week at the Innovation Connector.  On the evening of November 16, 2023, entrepreneurs and innovators pitched their ideas to a panel of judges. There were two divisions this year: Lifestyle and Technology. Adding to the ambiance of a baseball game, attendees enjoyed classic hot dogs and chips, evoking the nostalgic charm of a day at the ballpark. 

Two winners from each category rose victoriously, winning a cash prize for their innovative ideas. The first-place winners were presented with $5,000, while second-place achievers rejoiced with $2,500 each.  The winners of the Lifestyle Division in first place, Molly McGuire, and in second place, Andy Markelz.  The winners of the Technology Division were two Ball State Entrepreneurship students. Winning first place was Will Pancake, and in second place was Reid Glassen. Congratulations to all winners and participants.

The competition wasn’t just about who won. It was a chance for pitchers to get exposure, make connections, and further the opportunity for education and investment.  When people come together with their great ideas, amazing things can happen. Here’s to a future filled with even more innovation and success for the Muncie community. 

A big thank you to the sponsors as it would not have been possible without your support.  

Entrepreneur Showcase Week: Kick-Off Celebration and Awards

MUNCIE, Ind.— The 2023 Entrepreneur Showcase Week commenced with a vibrant Kick-Off Celebration held at the Innovation Connector on Monday, November 13, 2023. The event featured notable speakers such as Executive Director and CEO, Ted Baker; Program and Events Coordinator, Natalie Smith; Jeff Parsons, Market President of First Merchants Bank; Morgan Allen from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation; Muncie’s Mayor, Dan Ridenour; Ron Fauquher, Board Chairperson of the Innovation Connector; and Bernisa Elliot, Owner of BE’s Beauty. Together, they underscored the pivotal role of entrepreneurs and small businesses within the Muncie Community. 

Not only did attendees spend the morning networking with fellow community members while enjoying coffee and donuts, but Ted Baker also presented Entrepreneur of the Year Awards for several different categories. We would like to extend congratulations to: The 2023 Technology Business Entrepreneur of the Year, Travis Street from CTS Multifamily IT Solutions; The 2023 Life-Style Business Entrepreneur of the Year, Jeff and Debra Williams, from the Williams Carpet Shop; The 2023 Food and Beverage Business Entrepreneur of the Year, Mike Robinson and Chad Massoth from Amazing Joe’s; The 2023 Business Supporters of the Year, Bill Walters (ECI Regional Planning District) and Brad Bookout (Augusta Consulting, LLC); The 2023 Community Impact Entrepreneur of the Year, Mike Martin from The Common Market; The 2023 Champion Entrepreneur of the Year, Frank Scott II from K & B Car Wash-Detail; and the 2023 Champion Entrepreneurs of the Year, Jennifer and Tom Sheridan from Gibson Arena. 

The second annual Entrepreneur Showcase Week Kick-Off Celebration served as an inspiring testament to the ingenuity, dedication, and impact of entrepreneurs and small businesses within the Muncie Community. As we honor the recipients of the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards across various categories, we look forward to many more years to come of celebrating, empowering, and connecting entrepreneurs in the Muncie area. 

Please Join The Innovation Connector During Global Entrepreneurship Week

A brand new Showcase Week banner is pictured hanging in the lobby of the Innovation Connector. Photo by the Innovation Connector.

OCTOBER 27, 2023

By Ted Baker, CEO, Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc.—

MUNCIE, IN—Each year in November, the Global Entrepreneurship Network hosts its signature week of events, Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW.) This year, GEW is celebrated from November 13 -19, with events and activities occurring worldwide. The theme for 2023 GEW is “Entrepreneurs Thrive Here.”  GEW aims to “celebrate and empower entrepreneurs in every country and community around the world – especially those individuals who face structural barriers or may have never considered the idea of launching a startup.” This year, over 170 countries hosting thousands of events will be part of this celebration. We are excited to be part of a week of events supporting millions of entrepreneurs worldwide. What does this mean for Muncie and the Innovation Connector?

The Innovation Connector is proud and excited to be part of GEW this year with its event, Entrepreneur Showcase Week. In fact, as of the writing of this article, Muncie ranks 2nd in the United States in the number of events that are taking place during GEW.  The only city that outranks Muncie is Tulsa, OK – a much larger city with a well-established startup and technology ecosystem.  This amazing accomplishment illustrates the Muncie community’s value on entrepreneurship and supporting entrepreneurs and business owners.

Most of the events that are taking place during GEW will take place at the Innovation Connector.  The Ball State University Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute will host several events as well.  To maximize the impact of GEW in Muncie, the Innovation Connector and the BSU Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute are partnering to bring impactful events and opportunities to our community. For a complete listing and to register for Entrepreneur Showcase Week events, go to ShowcaseWeek.com.  Because of the generous support of over thirty partners and sponsors, all events are FREE to attend.  Registering in advance is very important because space is limited and the popularity of the events. Again, register at ShowcaseWeek.com.

As part of Entrepreneur Showcase Week, the Innovation Connector is thrilled to welcome back The BIG Idea Pitch competition.  This year marks the ninth time the Innovation Connector has hosted this event.   This locally grown program is one of the most popular events held in Muncie each year.  To prepare participants for the best pitches, the Innovation Connector hosts three Training Camps: October 26, November 2, and November 9.  Training Camps are held at the Innovation Connector from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm and are free to attend.  While attending Training Camps is not mandatory to participate in The BIG Idea Pitch, it is highly recommended. Registering for Training Camps is easy – ShowcaseWeek.com.  The deadline to register to be a participant in The BIG Idea Pitch competition is Noon, Friday, November 10.  Registration is easy and should only take a few minutes of your time.  Participants must be a resident of Delaware County or currently enrolled in school in Delaware County.  There are two competition categories: Tech-enabled businesses and Lifestyle businesses.  Cash prizes and entrepreneurial services will be awarded for 1st and 2nd places in each category that evening.

Entrepreneur Showcase Week is a fun and exciting time in Muncie and at the Innovation Connector.  There are many workshops, panel discussions, and seminars during Entrepreneur Showcase Week – something for all entrepreneurs and business leaders.  Please join us as we partner with the worldwide entrepreneurial community to celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week and Entrepreneur Showcase Week.  For more information, please call 765-285-4900, or visit ShowcaseWeek.com.