LAKE HAVASU CITY – Last year, Mohave College assisted four Lake Havasu entrepreneurs to reach for the stars at their Moonshot competition. Being in existence for almost 25 years, Moonshot is an Arizona nonprofit that has two parts for business owners to reach their goals. Collectively, they assist in marketing products and services as well as helping rural cities in Arizona create visionary habitats to expand the workforce. Next month, the contest will be making a comeback.
Registration is now open to proprietors wanting to compete and earn cash. Organizer Jenna Lowder, Dean of Student Life, holds several degrees in education from Northern Arizona University along with a doctorate in education in leadership and innovation from Arizona State University (ASU). Previously a communications professor at the former ASU at Lake Havasu, Lowder started her new journey as MCC’s dean in January 2025. Six months later, the sixth annual Moonshot showdown spotlighted local business owners for the very first time on campus.
Led by the college’s office director of Small Business Development Center Jeanette Pigeon, it was an event that gave community founders opportunities to introduce their companies and earn funds needed for continued assistance. Coming from diverse original industries, last year’s winners were inventors of everything from insulated vases, handmade soaps, security providers, and recreational activities for children.
In case you are a business owner curious about what is needed to compete in this year’s contest, the requirements are as follows. Owners must live in Lake Havasu and be ready to pitch their business dreams to a panel of successful industry judges with backgrounds of transforming their ideas into profitable businesses. Sponsored by the Better Business Burreau, first place winner will also be eligible to compete in Phoenix for the state title, extra prizes, and $10,000. Anyone who wants to join in the tour stop contest will get a Moonshot membership at a value of a yearly $3,500. Memberships come with funding, investor access, educational programs, and mentorships.
This year’s event will be kicking off with a morning pitch worksheet workshop. Participants will then practice their launches followed by lunch. Later that afternoon, the hour and a half competition will start. Winners announced afterwards will be ones that have placed third place for $250, second will win $500, and first place will once more get $750. The 7th annual Moonshot Pitch Competition will be taking place Wednesday June 3 starting at 9 a.m. at Mohave College in building 200, 1977 W. Acoma Blvd. Lowder feels strongly that an event like this will not only help entrepreneurial spirits, but it could also leave lasting impressions of the consumers within neighborhoods. “I hope that those who win the monetary prizes and mentorships have opportunities to create sustainable businesses in the region and make an impact on their community,” Lowder stated.
Additionally the most fulfilling moments the Dean of Student Life enjoyed witnessing at last year’s contest was the process of creative ideas becoming profitable. Which can be an influential experience to the families of the competitors. “I enjoy hearing the business plans and innovative ideas that the participants present. Their whole families come to support them, and it is so inspiring to see them supporting their loved one’s dreams. Last year we had quite a few participants with young children. I always love to see the younger families reaching their dreams. It’s such a beautiful thing to see young parents setting the example for their children and working hard at asking for what you want can make all the difference,” Lowder added.
Phaedra Veronique
