Financial Intelligence for Business Owners

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Masterclass 3, November 19 | Financial Intelligence for Business Owners

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Every business owner has a story. Some begin with a dream, others with an opportunity, and many with a determination to create something better. Regardless of how a business begins, one thing is certain:

Understanding the financial side of business is essential to survival and long-term success.

You do not have to be an accountant to be financially intelligent, but you do need to understand what your numbers are telling you. This is the focus of Part 3 of the Muncie Innovation Connector’s Business Impact Masterclass: equipping business owners with the financial knowledge, confidence, and practical skills to build stronger, more sustainable businesses.

  • Date: Thursday, November 19, 2026

  • Time: 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

  • Location: Innovation Connector, 1208 W. White River Blvd, Muncie, IN 47303

  • Format: Four sessions, working lunch, peer panel

  • Session 1 - Banking: Past, Present, and Future of Business Banking

    Banking: Past, Present, and Future of Business Banking

    Presenter: Reed M. Levitz, Director of Retail Banking, Indiana Market, Northwest Bank

    Certainly, we have witnessed the changes in the banking world. Banking today looks nothing like it did just a few years ago, and we are assured it will continue to change. Learn from an industry professional who has witnessed these changes firsthand and what he sees happening in the future.

  • Session 2 - Don’t Be Afraid of Finances: It’s the Lifeblood of Your Business

    Don’t Be Afraid of Finances: It’s the Lifeblood of Your Business

    Presenter: Ted A. Baker, CEO, Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc.

    Most people fear things they do not understand.  As a business owner, don’t allow this to apply to your business’s finances. Based on the popular program, Business Health Check, attendees will learn step by step how to understand and evaluate the health and wellness of their businesses. 

  • Session 3 - Cash Remains King! Understanding Cash Flow and Its Impact on Your Business

    Cash Remains King! Understanding Cash Flow and Its Impact on Your Business

    Presenter: Lathay Pegues, Founder, John Toms Barbecue, LLC.

    You can have increasing sales, satisfied customers, and even a profitable business, and still run out of money! Cash flow is so vitally important for every business, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood aspects of business ownership. This engaging session will help entrepreneurs understand the critical difference between profit and cash flow, recognize the warning signs of financial trouble, and discover practical strategies for keeping cash flowing. Learn why making money and having money are two very different things, and how mastering both can make the difference between business survival and long-term success.

  • Session 4 - The Seven Myths of Financial Documentation and Recordkeeping

    The Seven Myths of Financial Documentation and Recordkeeping

    Presenters: Lori Albert, Financial Director, Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc., and Amy Barnhizer, CPA, Whitinger & Company 

    This presentation is much more than a discussion about bookkeeping, receipts, and financial statements. It will challenge how entrepreneurs and business owners think about their financial information and spark a conversation about how what you don’t know about your business finances can hurt you, and how what you don’t document can cost you money.  The central message of this session is: Financial recordkeeping isn’t just about documenting where your money went. It’s about understanding where your business is going.”

  • Session 5 - Peer Perspectives Panel Discussion: Real-World Financial Intelligence

    Peer Perspectives Panel Discussion: Real-World Financial Intelligence

    Facilitator: Frank Scott II

    Panelists: 

    • Lorraine Tomlin, Senior Vice-President, Prime Trust Federal Credit Union, Muncie
    • Bernisa Elliott, Owner, B’s Beauty Supply LLC & Elliott Property Rentals, Muncie
    • Jennifer Hall, Executive Director, Bankable, Anderson
    • Mike Martin, CEO, The Common Market, Muncie

    Hear how experienced business leaders manage their financial situations and challenges to impact their organizations and the businesses they serve. 

Click Here to Register

Registration Includes:

$49 / person
  • Masterclass materials, tools & templates
  • Lunch
  • Certificate of Completion

Sign Up Early! 

First 15 Secure a Spot for Just $29!

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Title Partner

Meet Our Speakers

Reed Levitz, Director of Retail Banking, Indiana Market, Northwest Bank, is an experienced banking executive responsible for retail banking leadership and operations throughout Indiana. He is recognized for his commitment to customer relationships, financial education, community engagement, and economic development. In 2024, Reed received Northwest Bank’s prestigious Ronald J. Seiffert Champions of Opportunity Award, recognizing his outstanding leadership, positive attitude, and dedication to the bank’s customers, employees, and communities. Reed and Northwest Bank are valued partners of the Innovation Connector.

Ted A. Baker, CEO, Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc., is an accomplished entrepreneur, business leader, and economic development professional with more than 50 years of experience in business ownership, management, and entrepreneurial support. Since 2010, he has led the Innovation Connector in helping entrepreneurs launch, grow, and sustain successful businesses throughout Muncie and East Central Indiana. A former board member of the International Business Innovation Association (InBIA), business educator, and author of Meet One Entrepreneur (Release Date: December 2026), Ted is passionate about creating opportunities, strengthening communities, and helping entrepreneurs turn their ideas into successful businesses.

Lathay Pegues is a Muncie, Indiana entrepreneur and community leader known for his commitment to innovation, business development, and expanding opportunities for underserved entrepreneurs. His work emphasizes the importance of building relationships, encouraging entrepreneurship, and helping individuals turn ideas into sustainable businesses. A former Emmy Award-winning journalist, Lathay is the founder of JohnTom’s Barbecue, a successful brand inspired by his grandfather’s barbecue sauce recipe and sold through major retailers and food-service establishments. In 2026, he was recognized as a Distinguished Alumnus of Muncie Central High School for his professional achievements and community contributions. 

Lori Albert serves as the Financial Director of the Innovation Connector in Muncie, Indiana, bringing more than 19 years of experience supporting the organization and its entrepreneurial community. She plays a vital role in financial management, bookkeeping, and helping small businesses and nonprofit organizations strengthen their financial operations. Known for her professionalism, attention to detail, and dedication to client success, Lori is a valued resource for entrepreneurs throughout East Central Indiana.

Amy Barnhizer, CPA, is an accounting professional with Whitinger & Company, a respected public accounting firm serving businesses and individuals throughout East Central Indiana. She brings financial expertise and a commitment to helping clients navigate accounting, tax, and business financial matters. With 30 years of accounting experience and a degree from Ball State University, Amy serves as a Manager, specializing in accounting, consulting, and tax compliance for small businesses, individuals, and nonprofit organizations

Lorraine Tomlin serves as Senior Vice President at PrimeTrust Federal Credit Union, a financial institution dedicated to serving individuals and businesses throughout the Muncie and Delaware County community. With extensive experience in financial services, Lorraine brings valuable insight into banking relationships, financial management, and the importance of helping individuals and business owners make informed financial decisions. Lorraine also serves as a Board Member of the Innovation Connector. 

Bernisa Elliott is a Muncie entrepreneur and business owner of B’s Beauty and Elliott Property Rentals, bringing firsthand experience in business ownership, management, and entrepreneurship. As a member of the Muncie Innovation Connector Board of Directors, Bernisa contributes her business perspective and passion for supporting entrepreneurs, strengthening local businesses, and encouraging economic growth throughout the community. Bernisa is also a founding member of the Muncie Delaware County Black Chamber of Commerce.

Jennifer Hall serves as Executive Director of Bankable and brings extensive experience in nonprofit management, commercial lending, fundraising, and financial advising. Under her leadership, Bankable has expanded access to affordable financing and business development resources for underserved entrepreneurs throughout Indiana. Through her work, Jennifer helps support business financing opportunities and connects entrepreneurs with resources that contribute to long-term business success.

Mike Martin is a Muncie entrepreneur, musician, and community advocate who co-founded The Common Market, a unique neighborhood business that combines retail, arts, entertainment, and community engagement. Through his entrepreneurial vision, Mike has transformed a traditional corner store into a gathering place that supports neighborhood revitalization, encourages creativity, and connects people from all walks of life. His commitment to community impact earned him the Muncie Innovation Connector’s 2023 Community Impact Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

Frank Scott II serves as Executive Director of the Muncie Innovation Connector, bringing more than 20 years of experience in entrepreneurship, business ownership, manufacturing operations, and community leadership. Recognized as the 2023 Champion Entrepreneur of the Year, Frank has founded and grown several businesses and understands firsthand the challenges and opportunities entrepreneurs face. His passion for mentoring business owners, developing growth strategies, and connecting people with valuable resources helps strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem throughout East Central Indiana.