The MoonshotAZ Pioneer Pitch competition is returning to the Verde Valley to help local entrepreneurs make their business dreams a reality.
The event is aimed at helping those who want to do business in the Verde Valley, whether by starting a new business or looking to expand an existing concept, by providing scholarships, support and mentorship.
The two-day event will take place Oct.15 and 16 and will be hosted at Yavapai College’s Small Business Development Center on the Clarkdale campus. The competition is loosely structured around ABC’s “Shark Tank” format, though it will be a little different, said Mary Chicoine, executive director of event partner Verde Valley Regional Economic Organization.
On the first day, contestants will go through a series of “pitch workshops” that will help determine the five finalists of the competition. The second day will include an afternoon reception for VIPs, a buffet dinner and the grand finale during which finalists will present their business idea to the judges and the public.
There are many prizes that winners have the opportunity to receive, including cash awards of $500, $1,000 and $1,500. They will also be competing for the annual Moonshot $3,000 per year scholarship. There will also be scholarships to the NACET Business Development Programs as well as in-kind prizes such as business cards, photography services, website assistance, security and more.There are also cash rewards offered by the Sustainability Alliance of $1,000 and $1,500 that will be available to finalists who are starting a business that will either keep trash out of the landfill or conserve energy or water.
Before contestants ever hit the stage to pitch their ideas, they must go to Yavapai College SBDC.The workshops will take place Sept. 14, 22, 29 and Oct. 6.The idea behind the workshops is to help contestants craft a winning pitch for their concept as well as mentoring and coaching from a team of Moonshot and community entrepreneurial partners.
Ruth Ellen Elinski, center director and certified business analyst at Yavapai College’s SBDC, said the workshops will also include discussion and instruction from business consultants, intensive business plan writing, exploration of challenges and risks, as well as financial projections and analysis.
“We support each participant in assembling their final pitch decks for the competition, allow them to practice their pitches, and assist with refining content until they feel ready and prepared to speak about and prove their entrepreneurial concept,” Elinski said.
Those who want to participate must be interested, and willing, to do business in the VerdeValley. Participants must register with the Yavapai College Small Business Development Center and pay a $35 fee.
From there, participants must apply to the program and create a pitch for their start-up idea, including information about why their idea is unique and better than other businesses like it in the area.
While any idea is eligible to win, Chicoine said the judges are specifically looking for entrepreneurs that are willing to learn from the workshops and are ready to work hard.
“All businesses are viable. What the judges are looking for is business owners that are open to learn, are coachable and have the motivation to make their business a success,” she said.
The goal of the event is to expand entrepreneurship in the Verde Valley, as well as make more loans to local businesses and help create sustainable business solutions. Organizers anticipate the event will also help provide opportunities for workforce development and job creation, draw out local investors and provide networking opportunities for local business owners.
This year is the third time Moonshot has come to the Verde Valley, and the program has had a good amount of success in the past, Chicoine said. A number of locals have started or expanded their businesses with the help of Moonshot, including Sarah Ann Leslie, owner of Chocolita; Anita Marcus, who started Laser Girl Skin Care; Karen Russell of Karen’s Gluten Free; Gayle Glomski, who owns Second Harvest; and Laurie Altringer, owner of Science Vortex of Verde Valley, among others.
Kiersten Hathcock, owner of Mod Mom Furniture, has participated in judging and running the MoonshotAZ event in past years and is returning in 2021 to share her personal entrepreneurial story and to sit down with contestants to help them create a great pitch.
Hathcock was a contestant on Shark Tank in 2011 and was offered two investment deals that helped her launch Mod Mom Furniture. She said she loves the opportunity to consult, share her story and help entrepreneurs make beneficial business connections, and encourages anyone with an idea to give Moonshot a try.
“I have to say that the sheer act of putting yourself out there is a triumph in itself. When you do, you get a team of people who really care about you and your entrepreneurship dream. And that’s not just on the Moonshot mentor side. You’ll meet fellow entrepreneurs in the Verde Valley who will rally behind you as well,” she said. “One of the reasons I’m successful today is because of the amazing network of fellow entrepreneurs and mentors who have supported me through all of the ups and downs that come with starting your own business.”
For more information, to register for the event or purchase tickets, visitvvreo.com.
