By Ted A. Baker, CEO, Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc.—
MUNCIE, IN—Walk down Walnut Street on a sunny afternoon, and you’ll hear the buzz of Muncie’s entrepreneurial heartbeat: neighbors grabbing coffee at The Caffeinery, community members enjoying the food and games at the Clubhouse, and creatives discussing ideas over lunch at Twin Archer or Casa Del Sol. This isn’t just the charm of a Midwestern city—it’s the economic engine of Muncie and Delaware County.
Small businesses don’t just add character to our city—they fuel their future. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, as of 2024, small businesses (those with fewer than 500 employees) account for 99.4% of all Indiana businesses and employ nearly 45% of the state’s private workforce. In Delaware County specifically, local small businesses are quietly and powerfully supporting jobs, shaping downtown revitalization, and creating the place people want to live, work, and invest in.
Here are five big reasons why supporting small businesses in Muncie isn’t just nice—it’s necessary.
- Small Businesses Create Jobs Where We Live
When you support a local business, you’re not just buying a product or service but investing in someone’s livelihood. Delaware County has more than 2,300 small businesses, ranging from restaurants and construction firms to tech startups and daycare centers.
Local employers are often the first to hire young workers, interns from Ivy Tech Community College or Ball State University, or second-chance employees looking to re-enter the workforce. In many cases, small businesses offer more flexible and community-minded employment practices that big corporations simply can’t.
Fun fact: Nationally, small businesses create two out of every three new jobs. When they grow, we all grow.
- Local Spending Stays Local
Studies consistently show that money spent at small businesses stays in the community longer. According to a recent American Independent Business Alliance report, 68% of money spent at local businesses stays in the community, compared to just 43% for bigger businesses.
That means every coffee from a local café, every haircut from a neighborhood barber or stylist, and every locally-sourced gift helps fund local schools, parks, libraries, and infrastructure—right here in Muncie.
Supporting local businesses is like voting with your dollars for the community you want to live in.
- They Power Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Small businesses aren’t just followers—they’re leaders. They often serve as testbeds for innovation, trying new ideas quickly and nimbly. In fact, some of Muncie’s most promising startups have emerged through support from local entrepreneurship programs like Innovation Connector, which fosters early-stage business development.
Whether a tech firm creates software to improve health outcomes or a local bakery introduces sustainable packaging, small businesses are where innovation gets personal.
Challenge: Next time you’re looking for a service or product, try a local alternative—you may be surprised by the originality and care you find.
- They Strengthen the Social Fabric of Muncie
Small business owners are more than employers—they’re neighbors, mentors, volunteers, and donors. They’re the ones sponsoring your child’s Little League team, hosting community fundraisers, or giving back to the community in some way.
Local businesses play a critical role in shaping Muncie’s identity. They make our community walkable, interesting, and authentic. As bigger businesses increasingly dominate commercial spaces, small businesses provide a sense of place and pride.
A thriving local business community reflects a thriving civic culture. When small businesses succeed, Muncie becomes a city people want to visit, move to, and invest in.
- They Drive Downtown Revitalization and Local Growth
There’s a reason communities nationwide are investing in their downtown core, and Muncie is no exception. Small businesses have been pivotal in downtown Muncie’s resurgence in recent years.
According to the Muncie Downtown Development Partnership, over 100 new businesses, many small and locally owned, have opened downtown in the past ten years. These businesses attract foot traffic, enhance property values, and help reduce crime through increased economic activity and community presence.
In short, they’re turning underutilized spaces into vibrant centers of culture, commerce, and community.
The Bottom Line: Our Choices Matter
It’s easy to think your single purchase doesn’t make a difference. But every dollar you spend is a vote for the kind of community you believe in.
Supporting small businesses is not just an act of economic justice—it’s a strategy for community wellness. When choosing local, we choose diversity, opportunity, and resilience. We’re building a Muncie that is innovative, inclusive, and future-ready.
So next time you decide between bigger businesses and a local option, remember: Yes, every small business matters—especially here in Muncie.
Let’s Keep the Momentum Going
If you’re a resident, make it a habit to discover new local spots. If you’re a policymaker or civic leader, continue championing programs that remove barriers for entrepreneurs. And if you’re a business owner—thank you. Your courage, creativity, and commitment are the backbone of our community.
Because when we support small businesses, we’re not just shopping—we’re shaping the future of Muncie.
Want to Get Involved?
Visit the Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc. (www.innovationconnector.com) to learn how you can support local entrepreneurs or become one yourself. Our office number is 765-216-5900.
Let’s build a Muncie that works for everyone—one small business at a time.
