Impact X Empowers Local Entrepreneurs to Create Change in Muncie

The free Impact X course is designed for individuals with ideas who want to develop their business model, identify their target audience, build professional networks, and create meaningful change in their community. The program follows the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) framework by encouraging participants to solve social and environmental challenges while still building profitable ventures.

Muncie native Mike Martin — a musician and local business owner — has taught the class each year since bringing the program to the city. Martin first encountered Impact X while working on a podcast project shortly after moving to Charleston, South Carolina, during a financially difficult period of his life. His friend, Ian Sanchez,  was interviewing a social entrepreneur, Stewart Williams, about a proposed course focused on social entrepreneurship. Sanchez offered Martin a paying

Gig to film the podcast. Afterward, Martin told Ian, “This guy is full of crap.”

Two years later, the program officially launched at the College of Charleston. Curious and skeptical, Martin enrolled to prove it was unrealistic — but instead found himself returning for three consecutive years. By the third year, he was asked why he kept coming back. Martin explained that he had recently opened a business in Muncie, Indiana, and realized how valuable the program was. Earlier in his career, he had taken over Doc’s Music Hall in his early twenties without fully understanding the financial side of running a business. Impact X helped him build the new foundation for “The Common Market.”

One of the core goals of Impact X is increasing access to capitals, with an “s,” and business education for people who traditionally lack these opportunities. Originally designed within the incarcerated population in North Charleston, the program has been used to reduce recidivism rates. In Muncie, the focus has expanded to strengthening neighborhoods and reducing crime by empowering residents with the tools to create sustainable solutions.

Stewart Williams founded the program on the belief that the individuals that start the problems often hold the best solutions. Instead of overlooking those voices, Impact X invests directly in people who want to uplift their neighborhoods and create long-term impact.

Former students have noted that Muncie Mayor Dan Ridenour regularly attends classes, listening to presentations and offering feedback. This level of civic involvement highlights the strong community support surrounding the program. Additionally, David DuBois, Director of Architecture and Planning at Ball State University, participated in the Intro to Impact X course. In Spring 2026, DuBois plans to launch the Muncie Innovation Challenge, selecting three to five business or community-based ideas to bring to life through collaborative efforts among local residents.

Even for those who believe they already have a solid plan, Impact X encourages participants to refine and often pivot their original ideas into more practical and impactful directions. The course emphasizes teamwork, strategy development, audience identification, and sustainable business modeling. Participants also gain the opportunity to expand their professional networks and connect with like-minded innovators.

Although the 2026 class is currently full, Martin is known for being approachable and supportive of anyone eager to learn and participate however, it may not be an option due to class size. Mike Martin can be reached at;

Those interested can also explore the program through a recent podcast episode featuring Mike Martin, Ian Sanchez and Stewart Williams. The episode discusses their first meeting and the origins of the Impact X program. This is an in depth conversation and review of the program. The podcast, Pimping Poverty, can be viewed here: