Search Results for Innovation connector

Take your Business Idea from the Majors to the Minors During the 8th Annual ‘BIG Idea Pitch Competition’

By Carter Anderson— MUNCIE, Ind.—Got a business idea? The BIG Idea Pitch Competition gives you the chance to prove the potential of your business idea, meet others who can help you succeed, and possibly win a cash prize! This competition will be held at the Innovation Connector on November 8th, 2021 at 6 pm EST and will be live-streamed on the Innovation Connector Facebook page. Those interested in this opportunity should register by 12 PM EST on October 26th to secure their spot in the competition. The Innovation Connector will host two in-person training camps prior to the finals night on…

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11 Delaware County Non-Profits Receive $136k in Grant Funding

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, Ind.—The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Inc. awarded $136,400 to 11 non-profit organizations during the third Quarterly Competitive Grant cycle of 2021. The Community Foundation’s purpose is to improve the quality of life in Muncie and Delaware County for this generation and generations to come. Quarterly Competitive Grants fund projects for which there is a demonstrable community benefit in one of the following areas of interest: arts and culture, human services, economic development, education, and community betterment. The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Inc. is a publicly supported philanthropic institution governed by…


Middle School Students Pitch New Ideas at Tech-Spark Weekend

By Ryan Hunter— MUNCIE, INDIANA—What do a water-cleaning robot, portable dishwasher, and school bus tracker app have in common? Those were just some of the solutions developed by middle schoolers at the first Tech-Spark event. On July 9-11, local middle schoolers gathered at the Innovation Connector in Muncie to collaborate and create their own business ideas. The three day experience, led by TechWise Academy, taught these young students the basics of tech entrepreneurship and foundational knowledge of robotics programming, drone programming, and app development. Students were placed into groups and had no prior relationship with their teammates before the weekend. “We…


Delaware County COVID-19 Update, March 18th

Editor’s note: The following COVID-19 update is brought to you through a collaboration of healthcare partners including Delaware County Health Department, Delaware County Emergency Management Agency, Delaware County Office of Information, and other major healthcare providers. Delaware County weekly COVID-19 updates are released every Thursday and include information from the Indiana State Department of Health county metrics dashboard, which is updated every Wednesday afternoon. Muncie, IN—This week, Indiana lowered the age for COVID-19 eligibility to 45 or older and expanded the list of those to considered high-risk, opening up vaccines to over 500,000 Hoosiers, including pregnant women. As of March…


Free ‘Business Foundations Toolkit Workshop’ Begins March 2nd

By Alexis Dishman— Muncie, IN—The Innovation Connector and the Muncie – Delaware County Black Chamber of Commerce have partnered together to bring you a free three-part workshop titled, Business Foundations Toolkit. For most, starting a business is a dream or a mere thought, but taking the necessary steps to start the business goes beyond just a dream. The first question for many entrepreneurs is, “where do I start?” and while most resources are out there, finding, securing, and trusting those resources can be a hassle. In this three-part workshop, you’ll learn the business startup steps you need to take, get…


Where to Get Your March Madness Mask in Muncie

By Josh Rattray, Ball State Athletics— Muncie, IN—With all three NCAA divisions conducting their men’s basketball championships in the State of Indiana in 2021, March Madness is taking on a unique look and feel. To help promote COVID-19 safety measures, Ball State Athletics and the Muncie Sports Commission are teaming up to distribute masks as part of the NCAA’s #MaskMadness initiative. As part of this important program, the NCAA is donating 100,000 masks to Hoosiers from across the state who are in need. Wearing a face mask is one of the simplest, most effective ways to slow the virus’ spread. Wearing a…


ECI Regional Planning District Helps Communities Grow Through Funding, Planning

By ECIRPD— Muncie, IN—No matter if it’s the first steps toward a $30-million plan to widen an interstate highway through two counties, or less than $2,000 to paint markings at a town railroad crossing, growth and improvements and economic development don’t just happen. They require coordinated efforts like those the staff of the East Central Indiana Regional Planning District tackles every day. Created to serve communities throughout East Central Indiana, the Regional Planning District is supported by municipal partners in Delaware, Blackford and Grant counties. The ECIRPD works with its partners in government to improve the quality of life in…


TechWise Academy Launches Spring 2021 Computer Science Classes for Youth

By Brandon Coppernoll— Muncie, IN—TechWise Academy is announcing its Spring 2021 computer science classes with a focus on robotics and coding for K-12 students. Classes are held in the Coding Connector at the Innovation Connector building on White River Boulevard. The computer science curriculum gives students the tools to find ways to problem solve and explore curiosity and creativity. Students are encouraged to embrace mistakes to learn quickly and grow in confidence in classes. Instructors facilitate an environment where students can take risks and enjoy the learning process. “Our classes are designed to challenge students while giving them foundational problem…


Muncie Sports Commission Announces 2021 Board Members and Officers, Updates Branding 

 By Richard Crist, Board President— Muncie, IN – The Muncie Sports Commission has announced the Board of Directors and Officers for 2021 who will each help to support the non-profit’s work to increase economic vitality, improve quality of life, promote healthy lifestyles and brand Delaware County as a great sports community.  “Our Board of Directors is comprised of a dedicated team of individuals all committed to Muncie Sports Commission’s purpose of attracting, creating, hosting, and supporting sporting events and recreational opportunities for Delaware County,” stated MSC Board President, Richard Crist. “We are excited to begin this new and exciting stage…


George and Frances Ball Foundation Awards Over $5.4 Million in Grants to Local Organizations

Amount Represents Record  for the 83-year-old, Muncie-Based Family Foundation… By Kelsey Harrington— Muncie, IN—The year 2020 will go down in history books as a time marked by a global pandemic, civil unrest and racial tension, and a resulting economic crisis. In the midst of these trials, community members and non-profit organizations stood to the challenge and supported fellow neighbors in innovative and timely ways. The George and Frances Ball Foundation proudly invested more than $5.4 million in East Central Indiana non-profits for routine services, programming, and the crucial response to COVID-19. The Foundation, founded in 1937 by George and Frances…