The post-COVID future of economic prosperity in rural Arizona is strong, poised and ready for lift-off, says Moonshot President and CEO Scott Hathcock. Evan and Kelly Anderson, founders of startup Drinking Horn Meadery, received the 2023 Shoemaker Award at Moonshot’s annual entrepreneurial awards banquet. The 3rd Annual Shoemaker Awards and 4th Annual AZ Pioneer Pitch Tour Finals shared the stage at Little America Hotel on the evening of July 28 in Flagstaff, both produced by Moonshot, … [Read more...] about Entrepreneurial Spirits Rise with Moonshot Events
Entrepreneur
Are You an Entrepreneur?
After interviewing and studying a great number of business owners, I’ve learned that some people are born business leaders – they seem to have an innate drive and focus – like my brother, Charlie, who started a shoeshine business when he was 10. Some, probably most, evolve into the role or arrive at a place in life where the timing is right to flex their entrepreneurial muscles. If you are wondering if you are an entrepreneur, here is my list of Top Ten Entrepreneurial Characteristics. … [Read more...] about Are You an Entrepreneur?
Bear-Resistant Container Lands REI Deal for Local Entrepreneur
An inventor and avid backpacker working with the entrepreneurial program Moonshot at NACET has landed two major distribution deals for her next-generation bear-resistant food container, including one with outdoor recreation powerhouse REI. Holly Jaleski, of Flagstaff, said the inspiration for Grubcan came to her while she was out on the trail. “My husband and I were hiking out at the beginning of a week-long backpacking trip in Yosemite when the bear-resistant canister I was carrying in my … [Read more...] about Bear-Resistant Container Lands REI Deal for Local Entrepreneur
Moonshot Reaches Beyond Northern Arizona
The concept of a launchpad for a moonshot took hold of the nation’s consciousness in 1961 when President John F. Kennedy declared that the United States would focus its energy on sending American astronauts into space with the goal of successfully landing on the moon. Flagstaff played an important role in launching this dream, serving as a training ground for astronauts, including all the astronauts who landed on the moon who trained from 1963 to 1972 in Northern Arizona. Continuing in … [Read more...] about Moonshot Reaches Beyond Northern Arizona
NAU Implementing Entrepreneur in Residence
Northern Arizona’s W.A. Franke College of Business is looking to land its very first Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR). In doing so, Northern Arizona University (NAU) will join prestigious schools such as Harvard, Cornell and others who have successfully put this model into place within their universities. Traditionally, an EIR is brought on to assist businesses, usually in the realm of venture capitalism, with a multitude of things. For example, the seasoned entrepreneur may aid a company by … [Read more...] about NAU Implementing Entrepreneur in Residence
Entrepreneur Garnering Accolades
There are few things more annoying – come to think of it, more ridiculous – than being on terminal hold with a computer. Aaron Dragushan was having that experience while waiting for a service provider. His wife, Evgenya, had already been on hold for so long that she handed the phone over to him and told him it was his turn. During the waiting time, Dragushan began thinking about an app that would stop all the holding. Instead of waiting on hold for a service representative, a service … [Read more...] about Entrepreneur Garnering Accolades
A Born Entrepreneur
Mike Funk, owner of Fire Creek Coffee, has had a lot of careers. “I was that kid who banged his head against the wall wanting to be an entrepreneur,” he said. “I had many different companies, like futon stores. I built and sold futons. I built coffee carts. I had a promotional company that had t-shirts and pens, that sort of thing. I had a catering lunch box company.” He was also into Real Estate and remodeling houses. Funk, who grew up in Seattle, said he was always more into individual … [Read more...] about A Born Entrepreneur