The Isotope Decay-At-Rest (IsoDAR) experiment is a cyclotron based neutrino oscillation experiment that is capable of decisively searching for low-mass sterile neutrinos. This paper outlines two new approaches that the IsoDAR collaboration are pursuing in order to increase the amount of $H_2^+$ captured in the cyclotron through innovations in the design of the front-end. A new dedicated multicusp ion source (MIST-1) is currently being commissioned and tested at the Plasma Science and Fusion Center (PSFC) at MIT. Based on previous results from this type of ion source, we expect to be able to achieve an $H_2^+$ current density that will be sufficient for the IsoDAR experiment. We also discuss the results of a new investigation into using a radio frequency quadrupole (RFQ) as a high-efficiency buncher to improve the injection efficiency into the cyclotron.