By Ted A. Baker, CEO, Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc.—
MUNCIE, IN—In the world of entrepreneurship, the challenges are constant: managing cash flow, building customer relationships, hiring the right people, and adapting to market changes. For business owners in Muncie and the surrounding region, these pressures are compounded by a persistent challenge. Too many entrepreneurs are facing them alone.
While Muncie has a rich base of talented and experienced business leaders, many new and growing entrepreneurs don’t have easy access to that knowledge. The result? Missed opportunities, preventable mistakes, and businesses that never reach their full potential.
Ted Baker, CEO of the Innovation Connector, puts it plainly:
“The business journey is too complex for anyone to travel alone. In Muncie, we’ve seen too many promising ideas stall or fail simply because entrepreneurs didn’t have access to the right guidance at the right time. The Muncie Regional Mentorship Hub is designed to change that.”
A Strategic Response to a Local and Regional Need
Recognizing this gap in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, the Muncie Innovation Connector and the City of Muncie, with support from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, are launching the Muncie Regional Mentorship Hub.
The Hub is an organized, intentional system for connecting business owners and entrepreneurs with seasoned mentors who can provide targeted, relevant guidance. Unlike casual networking, this program uses a structured approach to match mentees with mentors based on industry experience, business stage, and specific goals.
Dustin Clark, Project Lead for the City of Muncie, sees this as more than a program. He sees it as an investment in economic development. “When we support small business owners and entrepreneurs, we build more than individual success stories. We are building a stronger Muncie. This mentorship hub is a way to put that support into action in a targeted, meaningful way.”
Why Mentorship Works and Why It Matters Here
Research underscores what local business leaders already know. Mentorship has a measurable impact on business survival and growth.
- 70% of mentored small businesses survive more than five years — twice the rate of non-mentored businesses (U.S. SBA).
- 92% of small business owners say mentors directly impact their growth and survival (Sage).
- Entrepreneurs with mentors are three times more likely to experience business growth (Micro Mentor).
In Muncie, these statistics translate into real impact. With stronger mentorship connections, local entrepreneurs can access the know-how to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and create more resilient businesses.
Adam Bouse, owner of Optimistic Coaching, has seen the human side of this impact.
“Running a business can feel isolating. A mentor doesn’t just give you advice. Mentors and coaches remind you that you’re not alone, that someone believes in you. They can help you see paths forward when you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or burned out.”
Building a Stronger Entrepreneurial Community
The Muncie Regional Mentorship Hub is open to entrepreneurs at every stage — from those still shaping a business idea to seasoned owners ready to scale. Likewise, the Hub welcomes experienced business leaders who want to share their knowledge and give back to the community.
With a structured approach, a deep pool of local expertise, and the backing of major community partners, this initiative is poised to become a cornerstone of Muncie’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
To sign up as a mentor or mentee, visit www.munciementorship.com/apply or call 765-216-5900 for more information.
