​What's the LAUNCHPAD Economic Development Program?
​

Over the past 22 years, Moonshot has learned a thing or two about creating and igniting the entrepreneurial spirit within cities, municipalities, and rural communities. Because of this, cities and economic development groups started reaching out to us to find out how we did what we did. This led to the creation of our LAUNCHPAD program where we help other cities ignite a start-up spark in their communities. 

Our program helps build a sustainable entrepreneurial program by:
  • Providing a combination of one-on-one and cohort training and educational programs to increase exposure and understanding of good business practices.
  • Growing a base of successful entrepreneurs and business owners willing to and able to mentor and advise the next group of new and emerging entrepreneurs.
  • Establishing self-sufficient and sustainable startup ecosystems rooted in local community through public events like the AZ Pioneer Pitch Tour, classes, and a media campaign to allow these efforts to be voiced throughout the community. 

Inside a Recent Verde Valley Pioneer Pitch Event
​

How does the LAUNCHPAD program work? 
​

In addition to bringing together experts, investors, entrepreneurs, and local leaders, LAUNCHPAD provides customized educational programs and events for your region.

We provide:
  • Assessment of business market gaps and opportunities via public events
  • Multi-day business training and boot camps
  • Multi-track curriculum program
  • Networking opportunities for stakeholders
  • In-person consulting
  • One-on-one mentorship
  • Business start-up curriculum/event for high schools presented by seasoned entrepreneurs
  • Event promotion
  • Marketing collateral
  • Access to the Moonshot member network


​WHAT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTORS ARE SAYING

Moonshot isn’t just a series of informative meetings, but an intensive education that takes people with bold ideas and gives them the knowledge and know-how to turn these aspirations into practical commodities for the marketplace.
​— Molly Spangler, Director of Economic Development, City of Sedona
​
"Everything Moonshot does is top notch. Not only have I worked with them while I was Economic Development Director in Nevada, we just finished putting together a program for Tucson. I highly recommend partnering with Moonshot." — Barbara Coffee, City of Tucson
​
"In less than six months, the Moonshot team has more than delivered on their economic development strategy through their LAUNCHPAD entrepreneur program. Since we brought them in, we’ve seen scale through job creation, expansion of a manufacturer’s footprint, and customer acquisition. Most importantly, they’ve ignited an entrepreneur spark in this community."  
​— Matt Matayoshi, Executive Director, EDC, Lewis County,  Washington
​
 ​“It has been a pleasure to work alongside Moonshot at NACET in support of area entrepreneurs and businesses. They have a large network of professionals, coaches, and mentors which compliments and expands the work of the Yavapai College SBDC. We have greater impact on our local economies because of this partnership." — Ruth Ellen Elinski, Center Director, Yavapai College SBDC
​
“Moonshot provides entrepreneurs a launching pad to share their ideas in an environment that offers one-on-one support from successful entrepreneurs and industry experts as well as provides business tools for success.”— Heidi Hansen, Economic Vitality Director, City of Flagstaff
​