Business Showcase Week

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Business Showcase Week 2025
November 17–22

Business Showcase Week
2025: Recap

Business Showcase Week 2025 marked one of the Innovation Connector’s most impactful celebrations of entrepreneurship to date. This year, the traditional week-long event expanded into a full month of workshops, networking opportunities, and community engagement, allowing even more entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, students, and business owners to participate.

Events began early in November, leading up to the official Business Showcase Week kickoff on November 17th. Approximately 135 attendees filled the Innovation Connector lobby for the Opening Kickoff Celebration, which included the annual Excellence in Innovation Awards and the presentation of the Ronald K. Fauquher Legacy Award. This special award honored Ron Fauquher for his outstanding leadership as Board Chair and his enduring support of the Muncie business ecosystem.

The Innovation Connector also achieved a major milestone, earning the title of #1 in the world for Most Events During Global Entrepreneurship Week—a significant accomplishment for both the organization and the Muncie community. As preparations begin for the 2026 Business Showcase Week, the Innovation Connector is focused on increasing event accessibility for full-time workers and expanding its impact on local businesses and entrepreneurs. Business Showcase Week 2025 not only celebrated the community’s momentum—it reinforced a strong foundation for continued entrepreneurial growth across East Central Indiana.

Excellence in Innovation Awards 2025

Excellence in Innovation Award: Kristie Koch – School-Based Behavior Consultation

Excellence in Innovation Award:
Dr. Huseyin Ergin – Ergin Technologies, LLC

Excellence in Innovation Award: Bryan Matheny – Perfect Fit Plus

Excellence in Innovation Award: Jessica Hall – Gifted Gourmet

Excellence in Innovation Award: Juliann Barnes – Juliann Barnes Designs

Ronald K. Fauquher Legacy Award: Ronald K. Fauquher

Opportunity to Give During
Business Showcase Week

In past years, community donations during Showcase Week helped fund AED equipment, medical supplies, and even the massage chair in our lobby — all for the benefit of our visitors.

This year, we’re raising funds for our next exciting opportunity: The BIG Idea Pitch Competition – Middle-Grade 2026. This new initiative will bring entrepreneurship to Delaware County middle schools, where students will learn to pitch and develop their own business ideas.

Funds raised will cover training sessions, competition prizes, supplies, and event costs—estimated between $5,000 and $7,500. Your donation of any amount will help us inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs. As a 501(c)(3), all contributions are tax-deductible. Thank you in advance for your contribution to our community’s youth! 

Support This Initiative

A Look Back at the Events
of Showcase Week 2025 

  • Monday, Nov. 17
  • 8:00 am – 8:15 am
    Meet & Greet with Coffee & Donuts
    Register Here
  • 8:15 am – 9:30 am
    Kickoff Celebration Program
    Register Here
  • 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
    Scroll-Stopping Content: Mastering Media
    Presented by: Patrick Reith & The Devon House Creative Team, Indianapolis, IN & former Innovation Connector Clients
    Register Here
  • 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
    Demystifying AI: No Experience Needed
    Presented by: AI Training Leaders with TechWise Academy
    Register Here
  • 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
    Indiana Starters Coalition– Business Startup Meet-up at the IC
    Presented by: Courtney Zaugg,
    Right to Start Indiana and the Indiana Starters Coalition
    Register Here
  • Tuesday, Nov. 18
  • 8:00 am – 10:00 am
    Why Nothing You Try Seems to Stick (and How to Fix It) – Marketing and Branding for Your Business
    Presented by: Intersection, Muncie, IN
    Register Here
  • 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
    Securing Smart Capital for Your Small Business (Lunch)
    Presented by: First Merchants Bank – Business Showcase Week Title Partner
    Register Here
  • 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
    The Credit Playbook: Simple Moves, Big Wins
    Presented by: Mayor Dan Ridenour, City of Muncie, IN
    Register Here
  • 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
    Tech and Innovation After Hours: Muncie Tech
    Meet-Up
    Location: The Clubhouse, Downtown Muncie.
    Sponsored in part by:
    Accutech, Inc.
    Register Here
  • 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
    Indiana Starters Coalition– Business Startup Meet-up at the IC
    Presented by: Courtney Zaugg,
    Right to Start Indiana and the Indiana Starters Coalition
    Register Here
  • Wednesday, Nov. 19
  • 8:00 am – 9:30 am
    Lead Like an Entrepreneur: Morning Coffee
    Presented by the Shafer Leadership Academy as part of the monthly Coffee Talk Series
    Register Here
  • 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
    From Networking to
    Impact (Lunch)
    Presented by Community Business Connections (CBC)
    Register Here
  • 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
    Clients for Keeps: Tools That Build Customer Trust
    Presented by Greg Zirkle, Director of Business and Executive Programs, Ball State University
    Register Here
  • 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
    Muncie Regional Mentorship Hub – Mentor & Mentee Meetup
    Presented by the Innovation Connector, The City of Muncie, and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation
    Register Here
  • 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
    Indiana Starters Coalition– Business Startup Meet-up at the IC
    Presented by: Courtney Zaugg,
    Right to Start Indiana and the Indiana Starters Coalition
    Register Here
  • Thursday, Nov. 20
  • 8:30 am – 10:00 am
    Balanced Hustle: Wellness Without Sacrificing Success
    Presented by: The Innovation Connector
    Register Here
  • 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
    Building Local Strength: A Focus on Empowering Manufacturing Businesses (Lunch)
    Presented by the Innovation Connector and Supportive Manufacturing Businesses
    Register Here
  • 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
    Human Resources: Recordkeeping and Things You Must Know
    Presented by a local HR Specialist
    Register Here
  • 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
    Unlocking Creativity in Businesses and Organizations
    In Partnership with the Entrepreneurial Leadership Academy, Ball State University
    Register Here
  • 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
    Third Thursday at MadJax
    Presented by: MadJax as part of Business Showcase Week 2025
    Learn More
  • Friday, Nov. 21
  • 8:30 am – 10:00 am
    Practical Tips and Timely Lessons for QuickBooks for Small Businesses & Organizations
    Presented by Whitinger and Company and the Innovation Connector
    Register Here
  • 11:00 am – 1:30 pm
    Dream.Plan.Launch. Your Business Starter Workshop
    Presented by the East Central Region of the Indiana Small Business Development Center
    Register Here
  • 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
    Wired to Lead: The Future is Female (and Digital)
    Presented by Women in Tech leader, Kirsten Smith
    Register Here
  • 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
    Demystifying AI: No Experience Needed
    Presented by: AI Training Leaders with TechWise Academy
    Register Here
  • 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
    Indiana Starters Coalition– Business Startup Meet-up at the IC
    Presented by: Courtney Zaugg,
    Right to Start Indiana and the Indiana Starters Coalition
    Register Here
  • Saturday, Nov. 22
  • 10:00 am – 11:30 am
    “Where the Rubber Meets the Road,” by Melinda Zurcher
    Presented by the Innovation Connector and Light Their Path Children’s Bible Ministry
    POSTPONED

    Out of respect and honor for fallen officer, Corporal Blake Reynolds, his family and fellow officers, and to provide an opportunity for those registered for our event to attend the funeral services, the Innovation Connector is POSTPONING Saturday’s workshop, “Where the Rubber Meets the Road,” to a later date.
    Thank you for being so understanding. The new event date will be determined in the next few weeks.

  • 8:15 am – 9:30 am
    Kickoff Celebration Program
    Register Here
  • 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
    Scroll-Stopping Content: Mastering Media
    Presented by: Patrick Reith & The Devon House Creative Team, Indianapolis, IN & former Innovation Connector Clients
    Register Here
  • 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
    Demystifying AI: No Experience Needed
    Presented by: AI Training Leaders with TechWise Academy
    Register Here
  • 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
    Indiana Starters Coalition– Business Startup Meet-up at the IC
    Presented by: Courtney Zaugg,
    Right to Start Indiana and the Indiana Starters Coalition
    Register Here

Additional Showcase Events: November 2025

Events for Nonprofit Organizations – Partnering with the Nonprofit Support Network
 Location: Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc.

Events for TechWise Academy
Location: Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc.

  • K – 2nd Robotics – Earthquake Simulator
    • Monday, Nov. 17 | 5:30 – 7:00 pm
    • Register HERE
  • 6th – 8th Grade – Intro to Python (Week-Long Class)
    • Monday, Nov. 17 | 7:30 – 8:30 pm
    • Tuesday, Nov. 18 | 7:30 – 8:30 pm
    • Wednesday, Nov. 19 | 7:30 – 8:30 pm
    • Thursday, Nov. 20 | 7:30 – 8:30 pm
    • Friday, Nov. 21 | 7:30 – 8:30 pm
    • Register HERE
  • All Ages – Better AI Promoting with Chat GPT
    • Tuesday, Nov. 18 | 6:00 – 7:00 pm
    • Register HERE
  • K – 2nd Coding & Game Design – Turkey Escape Maze
    • Wednesday, Nov. 19 | 5:30 – 7:00 pm
    • Register HERE
  • 3rd – 5th Grade Coding / Game Design, Hill Climbing Racing Game
    • Thursday, Nov. 20 | 5:30 – 7:00 pm
    • Register HERE
  • K – 2nd Robotics – Dancing Robot
    • Friday, Nov. 21 | 5:30 – 7:00 pm
    • Register HERE

Additional Featured Events

  • AI Best Practices for Leaders: Making ChatGPT Work for You (Virtual Event)
    • Thursday, November 6th
    • Gain confidence using ChatGPT by exploring strengths, limits, and best practices to enhance leadership.
    • Register HERE
  • START Something Now! An Entrepreneurial Experience for Jr. High & High School Students in Muncie & Delaware County
    • Nov. 3 – Nov. 7 & Nov. 10 – 14 | To Be Held in School Classrooms (Locations and Times TBD) 
    • Sponsored by: Muncie Innovation Connector
  • Delivering an Excellent Customer Experience
    • Tuesday, Nov. 18 | 8:00 am – 9:30 am
    • Location: InerG Impact Anderson, Indiana
    • Presented by: InerG Impact in Anderson, IN
    • Register HERE
  • Balanced Hustle: Wellness Without Sacrificing Success
    • Thursday, Nov. 20 | 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
    • Location: InerG, Anderson, IN
    • Presented by: Ted Baker – IC CEO, Innovation Connector, Serial Entrepreneur & Former Business Owner
    • Register HERE

Photography & Videography Disclaimer

Please note: By entering a Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc. and related entity’s event or program, you are entering an area where photography, audio, and video recording may occur.

By participating in our events, you consent to the use of your image, likeness, voice, and/or appearance as they may be embodied in photos, video recordings, and digital images for use in promotional materials, publications, and social media by Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc. and its partners.

If you do not wish to be photographed or recorded, please inform the event coordinator upon arrival.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding!

BSW News You Should Know

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Highlights from Previous Years

2024 Entrepreneurs of the Year Award Recipients

Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award: William & Karen Eason

Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award: Robert & Wilisha Scaife

Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award: Jonathan Lamb

Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award: Jennifer & Frazer Wilson

Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award: Teresa & Edward Long

Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award: Craig Robbins

Business Supporter of the Year:
Jeff Hern

2023 Entrepreneurs of the Year Award Recipients

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 & 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

The 2023 Champion Entrepreneurs of the Year

Jennifer and Tom Sheridan from Gibson Arena

Entrepreneur Showcase Week 2022 Highlights

The Innaugural Entrepreneur Showcase Week brought many entrepreneurs, business owners, and community members together to learn, network, and celebrate. Beginning with a Mayoral Proclamation presented by Mayor Dan Ridenour and a presentation of the 2022 Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, Entrepreneur Showcase Week kicked off with a bang! Each of the 21 sessions was led by qualified and experienced professionals in the community who spoke about their experiences in the industry and gave insight into a variety of business-related topics.

If you missed out on Entrepreneur Showcase Week, there is good news. This is just the beginning of all the workshops, resources, and networking events the Innovation Connector will be providing to the Muncie community! Stay tuned for more events coming soon

2022 Entrepreneurs of the Year Award Recipients

2022 Business Entrepreneur Support Award

Mayor Dan Ridenour

Mayor of Muncie

2022 Legacy Mentor Award

Peggy Cenova

East Central Indiana Small Business Development Center

2022 Community-Impact Entrepreneur of the Year

Tiara Hicks

Rosebud Coffee House

2022 Restaurant Entrepreneur of the Year

Lynn A. Moore

Café at the Crossing

2022 Technology Business Entrepreneur of the Year

Kurt Harrington, Founder

OEM Combustion Service LLC

2022 Life-Style Business Entrepreneur of the Year

Bernisa Elliott

BE’s Beauty Inc. & Elliott Property Rentals

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Questions?

Contact Natalie Smith

nsmith@innovationconnector.com

(765) 216-5900