Innovation Connector

What Innovation Connector does

Innovation Connector (legal name: Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc.) is a non-profit business incubator and entrepreneurial resource center founded in 2002 in Muncie, Indiana, operating from a 15,000 sq. ft. headquarters at the Ontario Place Certified Technology Park. It serves early-stage entrepreneurs, existing small business owners, K-12 students, nonprofit organizations, and business professionals across East Central Indiana. Its core offering is a multi-revenue platform that combines physical infrastructure (furnished office space starting at $450/month, conference and training rooms priced per day, and a freemium co-working space) with structured advisory services, most notably the Business Health Check program ($599 initial assessment plus $149 follow-up sessions) built on proprietary frameworks including GrowthWheel, Business Model Canvas, and ProjectionHub. Around this core, the organization has built an interconnected ecosystem of programs: Biz Starts Here (startup support), AI Business Learning Connector (AI upskilling courses, freemium plus paid), Muncie Regional Mentorship Hub (mentor matching with the Indiana Economic Development Corporation and City of Muncie), TechWise Academy (K-12 and adult STEM/coding education, acquired October 2023), annual Business Showcase Week events, and an Excellence in Innovation Awards program.

The go-to-market is community-led and event-driven: the organization reaches customers through workshops, networking events, partner referrals (ISBDC, Ball State University, Shafer Leadership Academy, Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce, First Merchants Bank, PrimeTrust FCU, InBIA), and an active social media presence on Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok, plus Constant Contact email campaigns. Revenue is generated through a hybrid of subscription (office space), unit pricing (room rentals, coaching sessions, coding classes), freemium (co-working, introductory AI courses), and professional services (Business Health Check, advisory). Distribution is primarily direct and in-person at the Muncie facility, with supplemental virtual workshops delivered via platforms like Eventbrite. Revenue figures are not publicly disclosed, and the organization is led by CEO Ted Baker (since 2010) with a small core staff (1-10 employees) supported by an active board drawn from regional banking, legal, academic, and entrepreneurial leadership. Recent strategic signals include a planned second building expansion, the 2024 Soft Landings Designation from InBIA for international business onboarding, and global recognition as #1 in the world for Most Events During Global Entrepreneurship Week 2025.

Name

Innovation Connector

Legal name

Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc.

Website

https://innovationconnector.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2002

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Innovation Connector is a non-profit business incubator in Muncie, Indiana, offering furnished office space, conference and training facilities, structured advisory programs like the Business Health Check, mentorship, and AI upskilling to early-stage entrepreneurs, existing small businesses, K-12 students, and professionals in East Central Indiana.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Business Incubation Services

NAICS

Educational Services (611), Computer Training (611420), Professional and Management Development Training (611430), Educational Support Services (61171)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Engineering, Accounting, Research, Management (8700)

akta.pro primary industry

Youth Business Incubators & Accelerators (EDAMAHAC)

akta.pro secondary industry

Innovation & Design Thinking Programs (EDAMAHAD)

Keywords

• Business incubation services
• Entrepreneurial support programs
• Office space rental
• Business coaching services
• STEM education programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Muncie

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Office Space Rental: Monthly rental of furnished office space to resident clients. Rates start at $450 per month with pricing varying based on office size and required services. Includes amenities like high-speed fiber optic internet, conference room access, and business address services.
2. Meeting and Training Room Rental: Rental of conference rooms and training facilities. Conference rooms accommodate 8-12 people at $175 full day or $125 half day. Training facilities accommodate up to 60 people at $325 full day or $275 half day. Evening bookings (after 5pm) include additional staff fees.
3. Co-Working Space: Free lobby space with adjustable desks and high-speed WiFi available at no cost for drop-in work.
4. Business Health Check Program: Comprehensive business assessment service with Initial Client Business Discovery Session at $599, including financial document review, baseline projections, GrowthWheel assessment, and 90-minute consultation. Follow-up sessions at $149 each.
5. AI Business Learning Courses: Free introductory AI course with advanced learning tracks and business packages available for purchase. Companies can purchase course bundles to develop AI proficiency across teams.
6. Coding Education Programs: STEM education for K-12 youth and adults through Coding Connector/TechWise Academy. Courses include coding club sessions at $165 for 12 weekly sessions, Minecraft clubs at $85, and robotics workshops.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Innovation Connector is a non-profit business incubator providing furnished office space, conference rooms, training facilities, and co-working space in Muncie, Indiana. It supplements facility rentals with business coaching, financial guidance, and education programs using proprietary assessment tools (GrowthWheel, Business Model Canvas, ProjectionHub). It also operates STEM education programs through TechWise Academy and AI training through AI Business Learning Connector for entrepreneurs and small businesses across East Central Indiana.

Product overview

The Innovation Connector is a full-service business incubator located in Muncie, Indiana that functions as a unified platform offering multiple interconnected entrepreneurial support services. The core offering centers on physical office space and facilities for resident clients, complemented by advisory programs including the Business Health Check (using GrowthWheel, ProjectionHub, and Business Model Canvas tools), the AI Business Learning Connector (providing AI education), and the Muncie Regional Mentorship Hub. The TechWise Academy (acquired in 2023) extends coding education to youth and adults, while annual programming like Business Showcase Week provides networking and celebration opportunities. Services include business coaching, financial guidance, and the Biz Starts Here program for startup support.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• TechWise Academy: STEM education program teaching coding and computer science to children K-12 and adults
• AI Business Learning Connector
• Biz Starts Here
• Muncie Regional Mentorship Hub
• Business Health Check
• Business Showcase Week

Products and services

• Office Space & Facilities Furnished office spaces, conference rooms, training facilities, and co-working spaces located at the Innovation Connector facility in Muncie, Indiana, with high-speed fiber optic internet, business address services, copier/printer access, and building security. Pricing for offices starts at $450 per month. Conference rooms accommodate 8-12 people ($175 full day, $125 half day) and training facilities accommodate up to 60 people ($325 full day, $275 half day). Co-working space is offered free in the lobby.
• Business Health Check Program An in-depth comprehensive review service for existing businesses designed to uncover successes and identify challenges. Uses GrowthWheel assessment, ProjectionHub financial projections, Business Model Canvas, and external review of website and social media. Initial Client Business Discovery Session costs $599 and includes a 90-minute in-person consultation; follow-up sessions are $149 each.
• AI Business Learning Connector A learning platform providing practical, hands-on training in artificial intelligence for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and professionals to integrate AI into their operations. Features free introductory courses and advanced learning tracks and business packages available for purchase.
• Muncie Regional Mentorship Hub A mentorship program that connects entrepreneurs and professionals with experienced mentors to provide guidance for startups, business growth, and career transitions in the Greater Muncie area. Partnered with the City of Muncie and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation.
• TechWise Academy A STEM education initiative (acquired by Innovation Connector in October 2023) that teaches coding and computer science to children K-12 and adults, featuring robotics, game design, and other technology education programs. Coding Club sessions cost $165 per student for 12 weekly sessions; Minecraft Club costs $85 per student.
• Business Coaching & Advisory Services Advisory services helping business owners navigate the business cycle through listening to needs, reviewing options, and planning next steps. Includes business planning, financial guidance, marketing assistance, HR support, and operational efficiency guidance.
• Biz Starts Here A startup support program that guides entrepreneurs through business challenges with tools, resources, and readily available business professionals to assist with vision and entrepreneurial success.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 125 businesses served in first weeks of COVID-19 pandemic response
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Indiana Small Business Development Center (ISBDC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerISBDC helps entrepreneurs start stronger, grow faster, and work smarter by providing expert guidance and comprehensive network of resources. Located at the Innovation Connector facility. Provides no-cost business advising services.
• TechWise AcademycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcquired by Innovation Connector in October 2023. STEM education business teaching coding and computer science to K-12 youth and adults. Combines state-of-the-art facility with fiber-based internet access and best coding instructors.
• Ball State UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic relationship for internship placement. Innovation Connector helps businesses find interns that provide business value while receiving academic credit. Numerous IC clients have used this resource.
• Shafer Leadership AcademycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity leadership academy providing leadership training. IC clients receive discounted rates for SLA programming. Ted Ward serves as Membership Director for SLA while facilitating book studies at Innovation Connector.
• TechPoint of IndianaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGrowth initiative for Indiana's tech industry, part of Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP). Connects technology partners across the state and raises profile of Indiana's fastest growing sector.
• Indiana Chamber of CommerceminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWorks to cultivate world-class environment for economic opportunity. Partners with 25,000 members and investors on behalf of over 4 million Hoosiers. Has experts in tax, economic development, small business, and technology.
• Indiana Technology & Innovation Association (ITIA)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRaises profile of Indiana's fastest growing sector, connects technology partners across state, and provides collective voice for tech-driven companies with state leaders.
• ECI Regional Planning DistrictminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerServes local governments of Blackford, Delaware, Grant, and Jay counties by fostering regional vision, providing collaborative leadership, and maximizing economic development opportunities.
• InBIA (International Business Innovation Association)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGlobal non-profit with over 1,200 members leading entrepreneurship support organizations in 30 countries. Provides industry best practices through education, enables collaboration, mentorship, and peer-based learning. Innovation Connector received Soft Landings Designation from InBIA in 2024.
• Spotted Monkey MarketingminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFull-service marketing/advertising company in Muncie, Indiana. Focuses on digital marketing for small businesses. No project too big or too small.
• Indiana Economic Development CorporationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Muncie Regional Mentorship Hub, along with the Innovation Connector and the City of Muncie. Supports mission to catalyze inclusive economic growth and entrepreneurial success.
• First Merchants BankcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTitle sponsor for Business Showcase Week 2025. Provides presentation on Securing Smart Capital for Small Business. Jeff Parsons, Market President, serves on IC Board.
• PrimeTrust Federal Credit UnioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExclusive partner for Muncie the Entrepreneurial celebration. Lorraine Tomlin, Executive Vice President, serves on IC Board.
• Greater Muncie Chamber of CommercecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInnovation Connector serves as venue sponsor for Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce Business Education Series. Monthly sessions covering various business topics.
• Garmong Construction ServicesminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerProvided construction services for the Landing Zone co-working space opened January 1, 2013.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• iD Tech: National provider of summer camps, coding courses, and STEM programs for K-12 students and teens. Directly comparable to TechWise Academy in offering structured coding, robotics, and game design education to K-12 youth, though at much larger national scale with online and in-person formats.
• Indiana Small Business Development Center (ISBDC): State-wide network of no-cost small business advising and education services, with an ISBDC office co-located at the Innovation Connector. Directly comparable as a small business advisory and training provider serving Indiana entrepreneurs, and an active partner of Innovation Connector.
• Code Ninjas: National franchise network offering coding education, game-building, and STEM programs for kids. Directly comparable to TechWise Academy and the Coding Connector in providing K-12 coding/STEM education, though operating through a for-profit franchise model rather than as a non-profit subsidiary.
• 1871: Chicago-based non-profit technology incubator and coworking hub serving startups and established businesses with mentorship, events, and educational programming. Closely comparable as a non-profit technology/business incubator providing office space, programming, and community resources — though at significantly larger scale.

Regional players

• Rev1 Ventures: Midwest startup accelerator and seed investor based in Columbus, Ohio, providing capital, mentoring, and connections to technology startups. Comparable as a regional incubator/accelerator offering structured support programs for early-stage entrepreneurs, though with a venture-fund model rather than a non-profit structure.
• gener8tor: Midwest-based accelerator network operating investment-driven cohorts across multiple U.S. cities. Comparable as a regional accelerator serving early-stage entrepreneurs with structured programs, though with a for-profit, equity-backed model rather than a community non-profit.
• Launch Fishers: Indiana-based (Fishers, near Indianapolis) tech-focused coworking space and startup incubator with mentor network and educational programming. Highly comparable to Innovation Connector as an Indiana-based business incubator offering office space, coaching, and community programming, though operating in a larger and more affluent metro.

Broad incumbents

• Techstars: Global, well-funded startup accelerator operating cohort-based programs worldwide. Comparable as an entrepreneurship support organization providing structured mentorship, education, and programming, though operating at vastly larger scale and with a for-profit equity model.
• MassChallenge: Global non-profit startup accelerator supporting early-stage entrepreneurs with mentorship and programming. Comparable as a non-profit incubator/accelerator serving entrepreneurs with educational programs and partner networks, though operating internationally at significantly larger scale.
• SCORE: National non-profit network providing free business mentoring, workshops, and educational resources to entrepreneurs and small businesses. Closely comparable in mission (non-profit small business support and education) and overlap with Innovation Connector's Business Health Check and coaching services, though delivered through a remote volunteer mentor model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/innovationconnector
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/muncie-innovation-connector-inc
• TikToktiktok.com/@innovationconnector

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Innovation Connector