Moonshot and Arizona Ascent are teaming up to change a simple but long-standing problem in Arizona: rural founders are building real companies, but most of their stories never get told.
This partnership connects Moonshot’s work directly inside rural communities with Arizona Ascent’s storytelling platform, so the people building in places like Bullhead City, Yuma, Kingman, and beyond aren’t left out of the broader conversation about innovation in the state.
For years, Arizona’s startup attention has been concentrated in Phoenix and Tucson. Meanwhile, founders outside those areas have been building companies in agriculture, water, aerospace, manufacturing, and more—often without the visibility that helps businesses grow faster.
This partnership is designed to change that.
“Rural founders have been doing the work for a long time without the attention that helps open doors,” said Scott Hathcock, President & CEO of Moonshot. “This is about making sure their work is seen, shared, and connected to opportunity.”
Instead of treating storytelling as something that happens after success, Moonshot and Arizona Ascent are building a system where stories are surfaced as innovation is happening—not after the fact.
“There are incredible things being built in parts of Arizona most people don’t hear about,” said Jennifer Conrad, CEO and Founder of Arizona Ascent. “We’re here to change who gets noticed, and when.”
The partnership launches a set of integrated initiatives designed to permanently expand the visibility of rural innovation:
- Rural Founder Spotlight Series — Ongoing editorial features highlighting high-growth entrepreneurs across Arizona’s rural regions
- Statewide Innovation Distribution Network — Arizona Ascent becomes a dedicated media partner for Moonshot programming, pitch events, and venture showcases
- Rural Ecosystem Intelligence Mapping — Joint storytelling and reporting on emerging regional clusters, workforce trends, and infrastructure-driven innovation
About Moonshot
Moonshot works alongside rural Arizona communities to support entrepreneurs, strengthen local economies, and unlock opportunity where it has historically been overlooked. By connecting founders, mentors, and resources across the state, Moonshot helps turn local ideas into sustainable businesses that grow from the ground up.
About Arizona Ascent
Arizona Ascent is a storytelling and media platform focused on Arizona’s innovation landscape. The organization highlights founders, builders, and emerging ideas across the state—especially in places that are often underrepresented in mainstream coverage. Arizona Ascent exists to surface what’s being built, who’s building it, and why it matters.
