KINGMAN, Ariz. – Small businesses across Mohave County are constantly searching for “seed” money that helps them launch, expand, or reinvent their operations. On Wednesday in downtown Kingman, that pursuit took center stage as Mohave College’s Small Business Development Center partnered with the Moonshot Rural Arizona Pitch Competition, giving local entrepreneurs a chance to compete for local cash awards and a shot at advancing to the statewide finals in Phoenix — where as much as $15,000 is on the line.
Moonshot President and CEO Scott Hathcock welcomed the 20 Kingman‑area entrants by reflecting on how the organization began a quarter‑century ago.
“We are a 25‑year‑old nonprofit,” he told the group. “Back 25 years ago, essentially a bunch of businesses, a college, and community stakeholders plus politicians got together and said, ‘Let’s create an ecosystem to help founders flourish, grow companies, and create jobs.’”
For Mohave College SBDC Director Lisa Card, the local event is all about giving entrepreneurs a platform to refine their ideas and gain real‑world experience.
“We hosted the Moonshot Rural Arizona Pitch Competition,” Card said. “It allowed entrepreneurs throughout the Kingman area to compete for prizes for their business ideas.”
The day’s format paired contestants with mentors who offered critiques and guidance before the final presentations. Those trial runs proved valuable, especially for Mike Johns, who ultimately won the top local prize of $750.
“I loved this exercise today,” Johns said. “This is an amazing program, Small Business Development Centers, established at colleges all over Arizona. I came down here, met with Lisa and the crew here. They’re terrific, and I learned about the pitch Moonshot, which is an amazing opportunity for anybody that has a business idea.”
The competition is held annually, and Card emphasized that Mohave College’s SBDC is available year‑round to help anyone looking to start or strengthen a business.
“We offer one‑on‑one, no‑cost confidential business advising,” she said. “We also offer no‑cost and low‑cost business trainings.”
By the end of the event, three local entrepreneurs walked away with prize money and one earned the chance to represent Kingman at the state finals. Third place went to Erin Roper, second place to Dirk VanVoris, and Johns will move on to Phoenix to compete against 19 other regional winners from around Arizona on October 24 of this month.
A strong showing for Mohave College and its Small Business Development Center — and a promising step forward for Kingman’s growing community of entrepreneurs.
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