Big Ideas, Bright Futures: Moonshot Pitch Competition Lands in Superior

The Superior Enterprise Center was alive with energy, creativity, and community spirit as we proudly hosted the Moonshot Rural Arizona Pitch Competition right here in Superior, AZ. The day brought together ten local and regional entrepreneurs, all brimming with ideas and ready to take the next step on their business journeys.

Throughout the day, these innovators received expert mentorship and training, sharpening their pitches and building confidence as they prepared to share their visions with a panel of judges.

First place in the competition was Lisa Hilchie of Superior for

Awakened Baked Goods, a new venture focusing on healthy ingredients and the impacts of diet on overall health. Lisa will now compete for the $10,000 grand prize through Moonshot and received $1000 from the local competition.

In second place was Maya Barton with Art 145 LLC with a $500 award as she scales up her art studio, classroom and gallery at their Main Street location in Superior.

In third place was Billie Jo Villaverde for Dance Couture, a venture that trains local seamsters and creatives to fabricate folklorico dance dresses, trajes and accessories. All ten participants received scholarships for Moonshot’s Constellation platform that will

continue to provide them with resources to scale up their projects.

The scholarships were provided with funding from the Arizona Commerce Authority and have a value of over $3000 in resources and connects them with experts in the field of business development, marketing, legal, accounting and more.

At the SEC, we’re here to help big ideas grow. Events like Moonshot show the talent in our community and remind us why supporting innovation and inclusion matters for the future of rural Arizona.

We’re excited to watch these entrepreneurs continue to grow and thrive—and we know that The HIVE will be a space where many of these dreams will be shaped into reality.

This inspiring event wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of our sponsors.

Local sponsors:

• Town of Superior

• Copper Corridor Economic Development Corporation

• Rebuild Superior, Inc.

• Superior Enterprise Center

Statewide and regional tour sponsors:

• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona

• APS

• Arizona Commerce Authority

• Growth Partners AZ

• Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED)

• SRP

• SBDC

• Community Investment Corporation (CIC)

• Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

• Resolution Copper

• IDIA

• AWD Law

  
  

Thank you for helping us create opportunities and grow the entrepreneurial spirit in our region!

—Stay connected with us for more events, workshops, and updates at the Superior Enterprise Center.