Are you ready to help the environment & win your share of up to $30,000 in cash prizes? Check out the info below! 

The 2023 Innovate Waste Carbon Neutrality Challenge - 
May 5 & 6, 2023!
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For the third year in a row, we've teamed up with Moonshot at NACET's Flagstaff Pioneer Pitch Competition to offer a challenge to our phenomenal Flagstaff entrepreneurs who are committed to the environment and sustainability.

As part of Flagstaff's commitment to climate action and goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, this year's Innovate Waste Challenge includes a Carbon Neutrality challenge.

HOW DOES IT WORK?
For those who participated in the Flagstaff Pioneer Pitch Competition AND your product or service converts waste into marketable products as well as products that reduce and/or remove carbon dioxide, you were automatically entered to win ADDITIONAL cash awards of up to $30,000 awarded on Saturday, May 6th during the Flagstaff Pioneer Pitch Competition finals. 

For those of you interested in applying who weren't involved in the Flagstaff Pioneer Pitch Competition, please apply below. APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN AND ACCEPTED UNTIL APRIL 21, 2023. 

The final pitch competition and award ceremony will be held on May 6, 2023 at the Flagstaff Pioneer Pitch Competition Finals. 

CALENDAR OF EVENTS CELEBRATING THE CHALLENGE
​*more events coming soon

  • ​September 30th, 2022 - Kick off event - Ingraining Sustainability in Food Economy Operations Virtual Event with Hanna Layton of Thrive Consultancy. Register here or click the button below. 
  • November 8th, 2022 at 11 am - WE Mean Business with Amanda Kristinat. Amanda will be sharing about Business Sustainability. NACET - 2201 N Gemini Drive, Accelerator Building, Main Conference Room. 
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  • May 5 & 6, 2023 - Innovate Waste Carbon Neutrality Challenge Pitch Competition Finals & Awards at NACET - Cash prizes total $30,000.
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To apply and compete to win cash prizes, entrepreneurs must have a business pitch idea in the following categories:
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  • Community Resilience
  • Equitable Systems 
  • Decreased Dependence on Cars 
  • Electric Mobility 
  • Clean Electricity 
  • Building Fuel Switching  
  • Reduced Building Energy Use
  • Sustainable Consumption and Waste Management 
  • Carbon Dioxide Removal 

For more information on the City’s Carbon Neutrality Plan visit www.flagstaff.az/climate.

| SCROLL BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW TO APPLY. |

Did you know?

Flagstaff will need to remove approximately 846,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions from the atmosphere by 2030. 
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How to Apply 


​To apply, candidates must (1.) submit an online application and (2.) post a 2-minute pitch video about their product or service that meets the sustainability criteria above. 

Applicants will need to explain their start-up idea/product/service, what they feel their unique selling proposition is, and why their product is better than what is already on the market.

Step One
Create a 2-minute pitch video, and post it on YouTube.

Step Two
Complete our application below. 


    Innovate Waste Carbon Neutrality Challenge Application 2022/2023
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    Please fill out the application below to be considered for the challenge. Winner announced on Saturday, May 6th, 2023. 
    * For more information about the additional cash prize money for products and services that are sustainable in nature, go to ​https://www.moonshotaz.com/innovate-waste-challenge-2021.html. 
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    ​Please address the following questions in your answer above: 
    • What does it do? 
    • What is your unique selling proposition? 
    • Why is it notable, and how is it better than what 
    • else is on the market? 
    • How will you make it profitable?
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2020 WINNER - Bee Well 


​Bee Well - beewell.care/

​We are a small business that makes a natural, aromatic, hand sanitizer spray. Our handmade hand sanitizer kills viruses by using 70% isopropyl alcohol by volume, purified water, and organic vegetable glycerin, hydrogen peroxide, organic geranium and eucalyptus oils, without the strong aroma of alcohol. Our hand sanitizer is great for use where access to soap and water is limited. ​our practices and products are centered around community service, preserving the environment, improving health and wellness, and improving access to basic services, science and the arts. ​

It is our goal to promote sustainable community resilience through long-term commitment to promote positive health and wellness. We hope to strengthen the community and its resilience to covid-19 and future needs for resources that promote a healthy and strong community.

We believe in solidarity over charity and it is our goal to donate 100% of our profits to local mutual aid groups who we believe are doing the best work providing assistance to communities most affected by covid19. Mutual aid groups operate with an understanding that it is the system, not the people suffering under it, that creates poverty, crisis, and vulnerability. Those working within a project to act to educate and expand awareness of experiences that are not their own, to build solidarity, and to make the project supportive and welcoming to marginalized people. Humility and willingness to accept feedback are essential to make projects more useful to the people they serve while honoring the dignity and self-determination of people in need or crisis. We appreciate your support as we establish and grow our project to better our community.