Search Results for Innovation connector

Pictured L-R: Ryan Hunter and Jud Fisher

Non-Profit October 28, 2023

Boys & Girls Clubs’ Ryan Hunter Recognized With 2023 Fisher Governance Award

By Eliza Guion— MUNCIE, IN— Ball Brothers Foundation presented its annual Fisher Governance Award to Ryan Hunter, board president of Boys & Girls Clubs of Muncie. Hunter was recognized with the award at the Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner on October 26.   The John W. and Janice B. Fisher Governance Award annually honors a nonprofit board member in Delaware County whose strategic planning and oversight skills have contributed to the achievement of the organization’s mission, financial stability, and…

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Education October 24, 2023

TechWise Academy Named Region 7 Out-of-School Time STEM Leader

By Ryan Hunter— MUNCIE, IN—TechWise Academy powered by the Innovation Connector, is excited to announce that they have been chosen as the Region 7 leader for the 2023-2024 Indiana Afterschool Network Regional Leadership Project. The project is a partnership with Million Girls Moonshot, to identify out-of-school time STEM programs to operate as Regional Leaders, setting an example of high-quality STEM programming across Indiana and supporting other STEM programs in their efforts to begin, strengthen, and/or deepen their STEM practices. The…

Suzanne Smith, CEO and founder of Social Impact Architects will be the featured speaker. Photo provided

Non-Profit September 26, 2023

Nonprofit Support Network Announces Inaugural Nonprofit Summit and Community Luncheon

By Carly Acree King— MUNCIE, IN – Nonprofit Support Network is thrilled to announce that tickets are now available for its inaugural Nonprofit Summit presented by Northwest Bank. The summit is scheduled for Wednesday, October 25, from 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Horizon Convention Center. This groundbreaking event aims to raise awareness about the Nonprofit Support Network’s invaluable work while providing access to education and professional development opportunities within the local community. The Nonprofit Summit offers a day…

Networking in your Marketing Strategy, will be led by Dr. Anna Stumpf. Photo provided

Business September 22, 2023

New Monthly Interactive Marketing Sessions Coming to Muncie, IN

By Melissa Narlock—  MUNCIE, IN — Marketing professionals, business owners, and students are invited to Intersessions, a series of interactive marketing sessions powered by Intersection. The inaugural session is set to make its debut on Tuesday, September 26. These free monthly sessions, hosted at the Innovation Connector, aim to provide attendees with industry insights, actionable strategies, and opportunities to build valuable connections.    In today’s rapidly evolving world of marketing, staying ahead of the curve is essential. Intersessions is designed to…

The 2019 Big Idea Pitch Winner: Trey Gourley. Photo by: Kyle Evans

Business July 28, 2023

The BIG Idea Pitch – Why this Contest is Important

By Ted A. Baker, CEO/Executive Director, Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc.— MUNCIE, IN—During my thirteen years as Executive Director of the Muncie Innovation Connector, I have met with, coached, advised, counseled, and encouraged many individuals who have thought about starting or owning a business.  This continues to happen several times each week.  In addition, the Small Business Development Center, located in the Innovation Connector, meets with clients in Muncie and East-Central Indiana, hoping for the same. With the availability of resources found…

The Innovation Connector is located at 1208 W. White River Blvd in Muncie.

Business June 26, 2023

Time for a Mid-Year Business Health Checkup 

By Ted A. Baker, CEO/Executive Director, Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc.— MUNCIE, IN—It is hard to believe that 2023 is nearing the halfway point.  After enduring a cold winter and unpredictable spring, warm, nice weather and days full of sunshine are welcomed.  During this time of year, it is important to consider reviewing the status of our businesses and organizations.  Much like my semi-annual physical with my doctor, assessing what is going well and what is not is vital for businesses and…

The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County awarded $340,000 in Community Grants during the second quarter of 2023, including a $25,000 grant to Project Leadership to support the cost of operations. A similar grant last year supported programs, including Scholar Success Program labs at Muncie Central, pictured.

Non-Profit June 5, 2023

$340K Awarded to Community Organizations

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN – The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County awarded $340,000 in Community Grants this month. Beginning in 2023, The Community Foundation shifted to a Community Grants program. Nonprofit organizations have a wide-open door for applications instead of separate applications for multiple grants programs through the Foundation. Organizations interested in applying for funding are encouraged to connect with Foundation staff. The flexibility of Community Grants allows the Foundation’s Program and Nonprofit Relations team to develop…

Techwise Academy students. File photo

Business May 30, 2023

Teaching Youth the Languages of the Next Generation

By Ted A. Baker, CEO/Executive Director— MUNCIE, IN—Over the past two years, I have written several articles about the scope of services and activities at the Innovation Connector.  From leasing office space to entrepreneurs, coaching and advising business owners and entrepreneurs, hosting workshops and events, and providing opportunities for networking and coworking, the Innovation Connector has served the Muncie community well. We know that students are encouraged to learn foreign languages as part of their school work, such as Spanish…

Ted Baker is pictured providing one-on-one business coaching services to a client. Photo provided.

Business March 24, 2023

Starting and Operating a Business is Hard…and a BIG Announcement

By Ted A. Baker, CEO/Executive Director, Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc.— MUNCIE, IN—Starting or growing a business is not easy.  If you have been involved at any level of business ownership, you know this.  Throughout my life, I have started several businesses and worked hard to see them grow.  I know firsthand the long hours I invested in ensuring details were taken care of and deadlines met.  (Many times, 60+ hours per week.)  From taking care of legal business startup details,…

Cradle to Career Muncie Middle Grade Math Collaborative Action Network Members brainstorm collective strategies and solutions. Photo by Maggie Manor

Non-Profit March 10, 2023

George and Frances Ball Foundation First Quarter Grants

By Kelsey Harrington, Program and Analytics Officer— MUNCIE, IN—More than $365,000 was awarded to ten community organizations by the George and Frances Ball Foundation. On February 24th, members of the Foundation’s Board of Directors met to review and make funding decisions for first quarter requests. Many of the funded efforts will build the capacity and fuel strategic, collective action of Cradle to Career Muncie, a community-wide and equity-centered educational attainment initiative driven by more than 40 community organizations and facilitated…