Moonshot Announces 7th Annual Rural Arizona Pitch Competition, Brings Statewide Finals to Phoenix for 25th Anniversary

Six-month entrepreneurship tour across rural Arizona culminates with championship event in Phoenix showcasing innovation beyond Maricopa County

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Moonshot, Arizona's leading rural entrepreneurship nonprofit, has announced the schedule for its 7th Annual Rural Arizona Pitch Competition & Tour, a six-month statewide initiative connecting entrepreneurs with resources, mentorship and prize funding across underserved communities. For the first time in the competition's history, the statewide finals will take place in Phoenix on October 24, allowing rural entrepreneurs to compete for the championship title and connect with the state's entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Why it matters

The Rural Arizona Pitch Competition & Tour has become Arizona's premier platform for rural entrepreneurship, working with entrepreneurs across 20 communities annually and generating millions of dollars in economic impact throughout the state. By bringing the finals to Phoenix, Moonshot aims to showcase rural innovation and founders to investors, venture capitalists and service providers, highlighting the remarkable entrepreneurship thriving in communities beyond Maricopa County.

The details

The 2026 tour launches on April 2 in Prescott and concludes on September 23 in Sierra Vista, visiting communities throughout rural Arizona. All first-place winners from tour stops across the state will receive two nights of hotel accommodations at Hilton's Home2 Suites, allowing them to compete in the championship finals in Phoenix. The tour is made possible by title sponsors Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, APS and the Arizona Commerce Authority, along with additional corporate and community partners.

  • The 2026 Rural Arizona Pitch Competition & Tour launches on April 2 in Prescott.
  • The tour concludes on September 23 in Sierra Vista.
  • The statewide finals will take place in Phoenix on October 24.

The players

Moonshot

A nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing entrepreneurship and economic development in rural and Indigenous communities across Arizona.

Scott Hathcock

The president and CEO of Moonshot.

Robert Theobald

The senior vice president of small business services and small business ombudsman at the Arizona Commerce Authority.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This year's tour falls during Moonshot's 25th anniversary. Traditionally, our finals event happens at one of the rural tour stops, but this year, with it being our anniversary, 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.”

— Scott Hathcock, President and CEO of Moonshot (EINPresswire.com)

“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.”

— Robert Theobald, Senior Vice President of Small Business Services and Small Business Ombudsman at the Arizona Commerce Authority (EINPresswire.com)

What’s next

The 2026 Rural Arizona Pitch Competition & Tour will launch on April 2 in Prescott and conclude on September 23 in Sierra Vista, with the statewide finals taking place in Phoenix on October 24.

The takeaway

Moonshot's Rural Arizona Pitch Competition & Tour has become a vital platform for showcasing the remarkable entrepreneurship and innovation thriving in rural and underserved communities across the state, and by bringing the finals to Phoenix, the organization aims to connect these rural founders with the resources and support they need to succeed.