News Summary

The Moonshot Rural Arizona Pitch Competition will take place on June 19, 2025, at the Apache County Library District. This annual event is focused on showcasing local entrepreneurs through a Shark Tank-style competition, offering cash prizes and statewide recognition. The competition seeks to empower underrepresented communities and supports diverse entrepreneurs by providing mentorship and resources. Local winners will advance to state finals in Prescott scheduled for October 18, 2025.

Moonshot Rural Arizona Pitch Competition Returns to St. Johns on June 19, 2025

Arizona will host the Moonshot Rural Arizona Pitch Competition on June 19, 2025, at the Apache County Library District located at 35 S. 3rd W, St. Johns. This annual event is designed to highlight local entrepreneurs and innovators through a Shark Tank-style competition, providing participants the opportunity to pitch their business ideas for cash prizes and statewide recognition.

This year marks the sixth iteration of the competition, which is part of a broader initiative touring 20 rural cities throughout Arizona. The event in St. Johns follows a successful appearance in 2024, reaffirming the community’s engagement and the importance of supporting local ventures.

The competition is partially sponsored by the Salt River Project, aligning with the goals of the Coal Communities Transition initiative aimed at fostering economic growth in rural areas. This initiative particularly focuses on empowering underrepresented communities, offering accessible mentorship and resources to entrepreneurs.

Participants in the competition will have the chance to win substantial cash prizes, including a grand prize of up to $10,000 and a Crowd Favorite award valued at $5,000. Local winners will advance to the state finals scheduled for October 18, 2025, in Prescott, Arizona, providing them additional visibility and recognition on a larger scale.

Event Highlights

Date: June 19, 2025
Location: Apache County Library District, 35 S. 3rd W, St. Johns, AZ
Grand Prize: Up to $10,000
Crowd Favorite Award: $5,000
State Finals: October 18, 2025, Prescott, AZ

The competition is tailored to provide support for diverse communities, with resources available in both English and Spanish. This bilingual support is crucial for helping a wider range of entrepreneurs articulate their business ideas and gain access to funding opportunities.

Background of the Competition

Since its inception, the Moonshot Rural Arizona Pitch Competition has consistently highlighted and accelerated numerous startups from rural areas in Arizona. Its format not only serves as a platform for showcasing innovative business ideas but also acts as a catalyst for local economic development, encouraging creativity and entrepreneurship across the state.

Contributions from sponsors and community engagement play a vital role in the success of the event, allowing it to continue fostering an environment where local business leaders can thrive. The collaboration of businesses, local organizations, and community members is essential in building a robust framework that supports aspiring entrepreneurs.

Moonshot Rural Arizona Pitch Competition Returns to St. Johns

News Summary