“We’re proud to partner with Moonshot AZ to support entrepreneurs across rural Arizona,” said Mike Boden, President and CEO of OneAZ Credit Union. “This partnership allows us to invest in local innovation, expand access to opportunity, and help small businesses thrive where they’re needed most.”
“Entrepreneurs are the backbone of strong, resilient communities,” Boden added. “By supporting the Rural Arizona Pitch Tour, we’re helping create pathways for growth, financial empowerment, and long-term economic impact across the state.”
In addition to mentorship and local prize opportunities, every competitor who applies and attends a tour stop will receive a $5,500 Moonshot AZ membership at no cost, providing ongoing access to tools, resources, and support. OneAZ has committed $50,000 annually for three years, totaling a $150,000 investment.
“Every stop on this tour is a chance to change someone's trajectory, and on October 24 in Phoenix, one of those entrepreneurs from the 20 tour stops is going to walk away as Moonshot’s Rural AZ Pitch Champion,” said Scott Hathcock, President & CEO of Moonshot. “As title sponsor, OneAZ Credit Union will be right there alongside Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, APS, and the Arizona Commerce Authority to help us determine who that is.”
“Twenty-five years of Moonshot, seven seasons of the Rural Arizona Pitch Tour, and this is our biggest tour yet — 20 stops across the state. That's not a coincidence; that's momentum,” said Kiersten Hathcock, CMO & Tour Co-Producer at Moonshot. “OneAZ Credit Union understands what it means to be present, community-centered, and committed to rural and border communities and startup founders all across Arizona, and that's exactly the energy we want surrounding our entrepreneurs this year. Having them step in as title sponsor in our 25th anniversary year says everything about where this tour is headed.”
The 2026 Rural Arizona Pitch Tour marks Moonshot’s largest expansion to date, reaching 20 cities and counties across the state and providing entrepreneurs with access to critical resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities. As title sponsor, OneAZ Credit Union is helping bring this initiative to communities that are often underserved but rich with innovation and potential. Key highlights of the tour include:
- 20 tour stops statewide, offering free pitch training and mentorship
- Local prize money awarded at each stop
- Two $10,000 state titles (Innovation and Lifestyle) awarded at the Phoenix Finals on October 24
- A $5,000 Crowd Favorite award
- Complimentary tickets and two-night hotel stays for each tour stop winner advancing to the finals
- A $5,500 Moonshot membership provided at no cost to every competitor who applies and attends a tour stop
The Rural Arizona Pitch Tour will culminate in the Phoenix Finals on October 24, where one entrepreneur will be named Moonshot’s Rural AZ Pitch Champion. Entrepreneurs interested in participating can learn more and apply at moonshotazpitch.com.
