By Ted A. Baker, CEO/Executive Director—
MUNCIE, IN—2023 was a remarkable year for the Innovation Connector, marked by unprecedented activity and events. Our team was privileged to assist over 450 Muncie area entrepreneurs and business owners on their business journeys. Notably, we housed the East Central Indiana Regional Office of the Indiana Small Business Development Center, collaborating to serve the eleven Indiana counties they cater to. Last year, we extended our reach beyond national borders, partnering with the Delaware County Commissioners and Delaware County Economic Development to support foreign-based companies in establishing their North American Headquarters in Delaware County. These achievements, among many others, underscore the Innovation Connector’s commitment to fostering business growth and success.
As we embark on 2024, we want to ensure that every business owner, leader, and aspiring entrepreneur knows our organization’s diverse and valuable services and resources. While this list is not exhaustive, it provides a good overview of our mission and vision and how we support your business journey.
- The Innovation Connector is not solitary in serving the Muncie community. We have forged partnerships with over twenty-five other organizations, each contributing unique services to our residents. While we do not directly offer leadership development opportunities and training events, we collaborate with The Shafer Leadership Academy, a renowned leadership training organization in our region. Similarly, we promote the ‘Start Your Own Business Workshop’ sessions offered by the Indiana Small Business Development Center, recognizing their expertise in this area. Our approach is collaborative and client-centric, ensuring we connect businesses with the services they need, even if we don’t offer them directly.
- One of the core services offered at the Innovation Connector is client coaching and advisory services. The Innovation Connector meets with over 400 businesses/organizations annually and over 100 startup business owners. Our goal is to meet each client at the point where help is needed. For some, it might be understanding the viability of a business idea. For others, we might review yearly financial statements to provide input on growth strategies or survival.
- Our name is the Innovation Connector for a reason – we are great “Connectors.” During our twenty-plus years serving the Muncie community, we are familiar with resources and service options that most people do not know are available. Our organization regularly receives business requests for information such as: What’s the difference between an LLC and a Sole Proprietor, or the difference between an employee and a 1099 contractor? What are the options for getting a loan from a lender? Who would we recommend for business legal assistance or financial accounting? Through our experiences of working with attorneys and lenders, we can provide lists of these businesses that have served our clients and community well.
- The Innovation Connector, as a business incubator, has over thirty offices leased to businesses and organizations needing assistance beyond just office space. Our resources and services are “wrapped around” each business in the Innovation Connector, helping them on their business journeys. We regularly assist clients with understanding financial statements, marketing initiatives, business formation, and advancement, identifying sources to obtain capital, and more. Open-Coworking Space is available for those looking to get out of their home offices for a day or so to engage with others and to have access to fast internet connections.
- The Innovation Connector supports and provides opportunities for life-long learning for business owners and leaders. A wide range of workshops, networking opportunities, seminars, guest speakers, and events are provided for one main purpose – to empower entrepreneurs at every business stage with an opportunity to benefit personally and professionally. This information can be found on our website, innovationconnector.com, or several social media sites.
For entrepreneurs and business owners/leaders, the Innovation Connector has something for you and your business. Please contact us at 765-285-4900 or visit our website, www.innovationconnector.com.
