In Business

The Innovation Connector Provides a Multitude of Business Services

Writer / Ted Baker
Photography Provided

Starting or growing a business is a very daunting endeavor, especially if you are trying to accomplish this by yourself. It makes a huge difference to learn the right steps such as how to start an llc in Texas. Most entrepreneurs do not possess all the skills needed to launch and operate a business venture. While understanding the business’s products or services it provides to the marketplace is one aspect, understanding how to bring them to market or how to complete the necessary accounting tasks could be an entirely different story. This is where the Innovation Connector, Inc. comes alongside entrepreneurs and business owners by providing a wide variety of business services to make their journeys more successful.

Services include startup management, marketing assistance, financial statement reviews and planning, human resource development, strategic planning, and help with navigating the forms and documents needed for stakeholders, including banks, state and local government, as well as the Internal Revenue Service. While these services are innovative and helpful, what the Innovation Connector does best is, well, connect. This includes connections with resources beyond the Innovation Connector’s scope of work. Businesses truly do not have to do it alone.

Starting with its first client in 2004, the Innovation Connector is currently in its third facility since it began, located in a State of Indiana Certified Technology Park on West White River Boulevard, near both downtown Muncie and Ball State University. This facility is home to more than 25 businesses and organizations, and carries a definite technology flavor. Since its beginning, the Innovation Connector, along with the rest of the world, has seen a transformation of the meaning of technology businesses, now encompassing nearly every business. In addition to serving the clients that lease offices in their facility, the Innovation Connector serves more than 400 small businesses in the greater Muncie area.

Now in his 13th year as the CEO and executive director, Ted Baker brings the energy and knowledge needed for the Innovation Connector to be east-central Indiana’s only full-service entrepreneurial support organization. His vision remains to provide entrepreneurs, startups and existing businesses with the resources and training needed for growth and success. As a former owner of several businesses, Baker often directly works with business clients who come for services. Turning our attention to the logistical aspects of running a business, managing outgoing mail efficiently can often be a challenge, particularly for firms that deal with a high volume of post. Opting for a franking machine can be a wise investment, offering a more streamlined, cost-effective approach to mail management. For a wide selection of machines that meet various business needs, MailFranking.co.uk is a valuable resource worth considering. While the Innovation Connector’s staff of three is small, they are mighty. Lori Albert serves as financial director, and oversees the financial details of the Innovation Connector and more than 10 other businesses. She often assists business clients who have financial or accounting questions, and also oversees much of the center’s daily operations. Their newest employee, Natalie Smith, is the program and events coordinator. As with Baker and Albert, Smith wears many hats and assists clients with many of their needs while in the facility.

In November, the Innovation Connector will host 20 events and workshops in one week, celebrating Entrepreneur Showcase Week in its facility. Showcase Week will have something for any entrepreneur or business owner, including training sessions, panel discussions, networking, and even a giant tailgate celebration to celebrate all things entrepreneurial. A complete listing of events and registration information can be found at showcaseweek.com, or by calling 765-285-4900.

If you have never visited the Innovation Connector, please stop by to see the many resources and services they provide to the Muncie community.

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