By Ted A. Baker, CEO/Executive Director, Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc.—
MUNCIE, IN—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.
