The Yavapai College Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is partnering with Moonshot to present the 5th annual Moonshot Rural Pitch Competition. The Shark-Tank style entrepreneurship contest is coming back to Yavapai County.

"Whether you’re an entrepreneur with a moonshot start-up idea or a seasoned founder with a business you’d like to expand, participation in this event hones your business skills and assists in moving your business forward."

Moonshot will be visiting 16 communities across rural Arizona, making a stop in Wickenburg on February 23.

"In addition to competing to win cash prizes and Moonshot scholarships, entrants will also receive start-up and pitch education, coaching, and pitch practice opportunities from the expert team of certified business analysts at the Yavapai College SBDC. No cost, confidential coaching and mentorship is offered for each event and ongoing after the pitch tour is over.

Marie Platowski-Beals, Certified Business Analyst with the SBDC, has coached hundreds of Yavapai business owners including the 2022 state-wide Moonshot pitch winner. “This is a great opportunity for any business owner to get started or to expand their business into new markets,” Platowski-Beals stated. “Our team is there for each participant during the tour, and long after it is over.”

The competition continues to empower business owners and provides opportunities to learn new skills. Participants prepare, practice, and perfect a 5-minute pitch presentation for a panel of judges who select the finalists. Winners at each local event will go on to compete in the state-wide competition for a $10,000 cash prize. The final event will be held in Cottonwood in August of 2024."

Participants can register online at moonshotaz.com.

Participation is completely free of charge thanks to title sponsors Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, Arizona Commerce Authority, and APS.