Moonshot, in partnership with Yavapai College SBDC and the Regional Economic Development Center at Yavapai (REDC), has announced the return of its Rural Arizona Pitch Competition to Prescott April 2-8, 2026, at Yavapai College Building 19. This year's competition focuses on innovation and is part of Moonshot's 7th Annual Rural Arizona Pitch Tour, which is visiting 20 rural communities. Entrepreneurs with "moonshot" ideas – whether fully launched businesses or concepts scribbled on napkins – can … [Read more...] about Moonshot Brings Pitch Competition Back to Prescott, Features Innovators in Flagstaff during Tech Week
Scott Hathcock
Moonshot State Pitch Winner Drills Down to Help Arizona Mines Boost Productivity
While studying how pathogens move through water systems in hospitals, lakes and wastewater plants for her graduate research at Arizona State University, Ashley Heida, Ph.D., had a breakthrough idea. The same mathematical models she used to simulate disease spread, she realized, could be applied to mining operations to improve efficiency and sustainability. That insight led to the creation of Analytical Mineset, a startup designed to help mining companies turn their existing operational data … [Read more...] about Moonshot State Pitch Winner Drills Down to Help Arizona Mines Boost Productivity
Entrepreneurial Excellence: Moonshot Celebrates Shoemaker Award Recipients
A fusion of innovation and elegance set the stage for the 4th Annual Moonshot Shoemaker Awards, Thursday, Sept. 18, in space that transformed into a ballroom at Lowell Observatory’s new Astronomical Discovery Center and opened to the ponderosa pine forest. Key honorees included Paul Sciame, recipient of the 2025 Mission Control Award; Katalyst Space Technologies, the 2025 Shoemaker Award winner; Mountain Mojo Group, the 2024 Shoemaker Award winner; and Dr. Megan Engbring, recipient of the 2025 … [Read more...] about Entrepreneurial Excellence: Moonshot Celebrates Shoemaker Award Recipients
‘Miles for the Missing’ Virtual Race to Support Investigation Costs for Families
Hundreds of thousands of people go missing every year, often leaving loved ones with unanswered questions and broken hearts. However, the situation is especially dire among Indigenous women because many cases go unreported. The National Institute for Law and Justice (NILJ), a non-profit organization with local ties, wants to help those families by providing funds to investigate the cases. To do so, volunteers are planning a virtual fundraising run/walk/bike race from May 1-31 called “Miles for … [Read more...] about ‘Miles for the Missing’ Virtual Race to Support Investigation Costs for Families
New Small Business Reporting Rule Targets Small to Mid-Sized Companies.
Starting January 1, 2024, a significant change in financial reporting will impact small to mid-sized businesses in the United States. The new federal Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Reporting Rule, finalized by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) in September 2022, is set to implement Section 6403 of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). The BOI Reporting Rule is a serious new obligation that impacts almost all small and mid-sized for-profit businesses,” said attorney … [Read more...] about New Small Business Reporting Rule Targets Small to Mid-Sized Companies.
Moonshot Launches Campaign to Propel Future Missions
Moonshot, an entrepreneurial and workforce development non-profit organization, is unveiling its inaugural two-year campaign, aimed at advancing its mission to bolster startups and foster economic prosperity across rural Arizona and beyond. In 2017, Moonshot embarked on a profound rebranding journey, inspired by Flagstaff’s historic role in the Apollo moon landings. Mirroring Flagstaff’s contribution to the triumphant Apollo 11 mission, Moonshot empowers emerging businesses by providing … [Read more...] about Moonshot Launches Campaign to Propel Future Missions
Celebrating Amanda Kristinat’s Legacy on Flagstaff’s Start-Up Community
On behalf of the Moonshot organization and NACET community, I am deeply saddened to share the loss of our dear partner and friend, Amanda Kristinat. She wasn’t the kind of person who sought the spotlight; she allowed me to be that beacon. Amanda epitomized quiet strength, thriving in a supportive, behind-the-scenes role focusing on finance, grant writing and operations. Through the years, her invaluable contributions benefited organizations such as the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce, … [Read more...] about Celebrating Amanda Kristinat’s Legacy on Flagstaff’s Start-Up Community
New NACET Flagstaff Leader Planning Campus Tours, Community Events
In our last column, Scott Hathcock addressed the phenomenal growth of Moonshot programming across the state. He also announced my appointment as the new executive director for the NACET campus. My love affair with Flagstaff began in 2015 when I relocated with a former employer to be the director of the Northern Arizona University Campus Bookstore. I was immediately embraced by the Flagstaff community and began to engage with local business owners. I saw a need for more small … [Read more...] about New NACET Flagstaff Leader Planning Campus Tours, Community Events
Honoring Entrepreneurial Thinking, Acting
The City of Flagstaff and APS are presenting Moonshot’s 2nd Annual Shoemaker Awards. The invitation-only dinner and awards banquet will take place on June 17 at Little America Hotel. This annual inspirational and entertaining event celebrates stellar moonshot-thinking entrepreneurs from Flagstaff and across Arizona. The 2021-22 Moonshot AZ Pioneer Pitch winners from around the state will present their ideas/products during the cocktail reception for the final round and a chance to win $10,000 … [Read more...] about Honoring Entrepreneurial Thinking, Acting
Moonshot Expanding Reach, Offerings
As always, let me start by thanking the City of Flagstaff, our local sponsors and our entrepreneur community for partnering with Moonshot and the campus of NACET over the past 22 years. Your commitment to bettering the lives of Northern Arizonans is greatly appreciated and we are humbled by your continued support. Judging by the start-up founders in our program to date, and the fact that more than 80% of the office and manufacturing space at the NACET campus is filled, I’d say Flagstaff and … [Read more...] about Moonshot Expanding Reach, Offerings
