From a single Flagstaff event to a 20-stop statewide tour, Moonshot connects rural entrepreneurs with mentorship, funding, and visibility, proving innovation thrives outside Arizona’s cities.
In Superior, Arizona, population just under 2,700, last year’s pitch stop buzzed with anticipation. Entrepreneurs adjusted prototypes, shuffled notes, and glanced at the countdown timer—three to five minutes to share an idea, impress mentors, and connect with the community. That mix of nerves and excitement is exactly what the 2026 Moonshot Rural Arizona Pitch Tour promises to bring to 20 rural communities across the state.
But the tour didn’t start statewide—it began in 2018 in Flagstaff. Scott Hathcock, president and CEO of Moonshot, and Kiersten Hathcock, an award-winning entrepreneur featured on Shark Tank, co-produced a Shark Tank–style pitch event to give local entrepreneurs a stage to present ideas and receive real-time feedback. The response was immediate: small towns across Arizona were brimming with talent, ambition, and ideas waiting for a platform. That spark grew into a statewide initiative, as Moonshot—a 25-year-old Arizona nonprofit—partnered with city officials and economic development leaders to bring the tour to rural communities across the state.
“We’re here today for our seventh tour stop this season for the Rural Arizona Pitch Competition,” said Scott Hathcock. “Superior is set. Now, let’s go launch some startups.”
“These pitch events are so important,” said Kiersten Hathcock. “It can be intimidating to talk about your product or idea publicly. We try to make participants feel comfortable—they’re pitching to dolphins, not sharks.”
Mayor Mila Bessich of Superior summed up the opportunity:
“We know we have bright entrepreneurs ready to start or expand business ventures. Rural economic development starts with your hometown entrepreneur.”
The 2026 Tour
The 2026 tour launches April 2 in Prescott and concludes September 23 in Sierra Vista, visiting 20 rural communities. For the first time, the statewide finals will take place in Phoenix, on October 24 at Heritage Headquarters in downtown Phoenix.
First-place winners from each stop will receive two nights of hotel accommodations at Hilton’s Home2 Suites, October 23–25, giving them the chance to compete for the championship title and connect with Arizona’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“This year’s tour coincides with Moonshot’s 25th anniversary,” said Scott Hathcock. “Traditionally, our finals happen at one of the rural tour stops, but this year we wanted to showcase rural innovation and founders to investors, venture capitalists, and service providers in Phoenix and show them it’s time to look beyond Phoenix.”
Robert Theobald, senior vice president of small business services and small business ombudsman at the Arizona Commerce Authority, added:
“Moonshot’s leadership in championing rural entrepreneurs is vital to building a strong and inclusive economy across Arizona. The Rural Arizona Pitch Competition showcases the remarkable innovation thriving in communities statewide, and we’re proud to support Moonshot’s efforts to connect these entrepreneurs with the resources they need to succeed.”
Inspiration from Past Tour Stops
The tour’s impact is clear. In 2025, Ashley Heida, Ph.D., won the statewide competition with Analytical Mineset, a startup applying predictive analytics to improve mining efficiency. Meanwhile, Michael and Kaylin Lindsey earned the Crowd Favorite Award for Hometown Fresh Farm, a hydroponic greenhouse project bringing fresh produce to northeastern Arizona.
“From mining technology to hydroponic farming, from indoor play spaces to artisan bakeries, these entrepreneurs are solving real problems and creating opportunities in their communities,” said Scott Hathcock. More than 150 entrepreneurs participated in last year’s stops, demonstrating the breadth and creativity of rural Arizona’s founders.
Driving Rural Economic Development
Moonshot partners with economic development leaders and city officials to bring the tour to rural towns. The program allows leaders to assess local business talent, foster job creation, and connect founders to mentorship and funding opportunities through Moonshot Academy.
Participation is free for entrepreneurs, ensuring that financial constraints don’t block talent from stepping onto the stage.
Sponsors and Support
The 2026 tour is made possible through statewide, regional, and local sponsors:
Title Sponsors: Arizona Commerce Authority, APS, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
State-Level Sponsors: Wells Fargo, Desert Financial Credit Union, SRP
Regional Sponsors: Growth Partners AZ, AWD Law, CIC Tucson, Resolution Copper, SBDC, Infinity Auto Insurance, HUSTL Financial, Sunset Bank, BBB
Innovation Across Rural Arizona
As last year showed in towns like Superior, Prescott, and Sahuarita, the pitch tour brings energy, mentorship, and visibility to communities across the state. The 2026 tour promises to continue that tradition, giving rural entrepreneurs a platform to grow ideas, connect with mentors and investors, and demonstrate that innovation isn’t limited to Arizona’s major cities.
Across deserts, small towns, and overlooked communities, the story of rural innovation unfolds one pitch at a time, shaping the economic future of Arizona and proving that talent thrives everywhere.
For a complete list of 2026 tour stops, visit www.moonshotazpitch.com.
