"At State Forty Eight Foundation, we believe entrepreneurship has the power to change lives, strengthen communities and create opportunity across Arizona," says Mike Spangenberg, CEO of State Forty Eight and chairman of the State Forty Eight Foundation Board of Directors. "OneAZ Credit Union has believed in that mission for years, and this Legacy Grant allows us to reach even more entrepreneurs through education, mentorship and meaningful connections. We're proud to have a partner that's committed to investing in people, not just businesses."
"This Legacy Grant is more than an investment in our organization; it's an investment in Arizona's entrepreneurs and the communities they serve," says Kristin Priscella, executive director of State Forty Eight Foundation. "Every grant we award, every educational program we offer and every connection we help foster creates a ripple effect that strengthens families, neighborhoods and Arizona's economy. This support allows us to continue building an ecosystem where entrepreneurs have the resources and relationships they need to thrive."
“At the OneAZ Community Foundation, we believe that investing in entrepreneurs is investing in the future of Arizona,” said Robert Raygoza, Executive Director of the OneAZ Community Foundation. “Through this Legacy Grant, we are proud to support the State Forty Eight Foundation’s efforts to equip aspiring and established business owners with the resources, mentorship and connections they need to succeed. This investment reflects our commitment to creating lasting community impact and advancing opportunities that help Arizonans thrive.”
The $150,000 Legacy Grant will support three of the State Forty Eight Foundation’s flagship entrepreneurship initiatives, each designed to provide Arizona business owners with the tools, connections and resources needed to achieve long-term success. Through educational programming, mentorship opportunities and community-building experiences, the Foundation is helping create pathways for entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey.
The OneAZ Community Foundation’s investment will help expand the reach and impact of the following programs:
- Entrepreneur Speaker Series: A dynamic event series featuring successful business leaders who share insights, experiences and practical strategies with aspiring and established entrepreneurs.
- Beyond Business: A program focused on personal and professional development, equipping participants with leadership skills, business knowledge and tools for sustainable growth.
- Winner Circle: A collaborative community that fosters mentorship, networking and peer support, helping entrepreneurs build meaningful connections and accelerate their success.
Together, these programs are strengthening Arizona’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by empowering individuals to launch, grow, and sustain businesses that contribute to vibrant local communities and a thriving state economy.
Through strategic investments like this Legacy Grant, the OneAZ Community Foundation continues to support organizations that create meaningful opportunities for Arizonans to thrive. By partnering with the State Forty Eight Foundation, the Foundation is helping expand access to entrepreneurship education, mentorship and resources that empower individuals, strengthen local businesses and contribute to Arizona’s long-term economic vitality.
