AZ Tech Week, Founder Wisdom & Small Business Stories

Hello!

April is all about entrepreneurs in Arizona, and with Arizona Tech Week bringing builders and innovators together across the state, the energy this month is undeniable. It’s a reminder of what happens when community comes together, and why we’re so committed to creating spaces where entrepreneurs can connect and grow.

We’re excited to be part of it on April 7 with Arizona Runs on Coffee & Entrepreneurs. Co-hosted alongside Startup Tucson, TENWEST, Local First Arizona, and the University of Arizona Center for Innovation, this casual morning meetup is all about real conversations, fresh ideas, and meaningful connections over coffee at Fair Trade Cafe. We hope you’ll join us!

We’re also thrilled to share that our 2026 annual calendar is now live, making it easier to stay connected to everything we’re building this year! And speaking of what’s ahead — we’ve officially locked in the date for our Bet on Arizona Charity Poker Tournament & Casino Night at Scottsdale Stadium. It’s going to be bigger than ever, and tickets will be going live soon.

As a reminder, if something in this newlsetter sparks an idea or a conversation you want to have, I’d love to hear from you. We’re building this alongside you. That’s what makes it meaningful and how we can make the most impact.

With gratitude and excitement,

kp@statefortyeight.com

UPCOMING EVENTS

LEADING THE WAY

2026 brings renewed energy and visionary leadership to State Forty Eight Foundation. This year, we’re excited to introduce you to the people behind the work, sharing their perspectives on entrepreneurship, what drives their connection to our mission, and any wisdom they’ve gained along the way.

Today, we’re starting with a familiar face: Nicholas Polando, State Forty Eight Co-founder, former Creative Director, and current board member. Click the video below to hear from Nick.

Check out our full Board of Directors here.

MEET OUR ENTREPRENEURS

Meet the State Forty Eight Foundation grantees and founders shaping Arizona’s future. Each month, we’ll highlight the entrepreneurs building bold businesses and strengthening our local community.

Produce Your Life, founded by Daaron Battle, empowers youth to turn creativity into real-world opportunity, by providing hands-on, industry-relevant training in audio production, branding, culture curating, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship. As a 2025 State Forty Eight Foundation grant recipient, he’s expanding programs to reach more young creators and strengthen Arizona’s creative ecosystem.

Learn More Here

Founded by third-generation Arizonan and restaurateur Joey Palomarez, The Spaghetti Shack is a quick-service Italian concept for pasta lovers, with locations across Phoenix and Flagstaff. He also runs a full-service catering company, JP’s Catering, which he is expanding under the same umbrella. As a 2025 State Forty Eight Foundation grant recipient, Joey is upgrading equipment to grow his operations, expand menus, and take on larger events.

Learn More Here

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

Not every entrepreneurial success story starts in a boardroom (State Forty Eight’s started in a spare bedroom), and OGeez! is proof of that. One of Arizona’s original scratch-made, cannabis-infusion brands, OGeez! was founded by the late Peggy Noonan, a trailblazing figure whose passion for cannabis long predated its legalization. Guided by the belief that cannabis should be simple and that every great gummy begins with a mouthwatering first bite, OGeez! has been dedicated to creating innovative, memorable cannabis-infused gummies since 2018. Today, under CEO Bran Noonan’s leadership, OGeez! has grown from a beloved Arizona staple into a multi-state brand — a true homegrown entrepreneurial success story. We’re proud to have them in our community and grateful for their support of State Forty Eight Foundation’s mission and vision.

RESOURCE CORNER: THE GOLDWATER INSTITUTE

Part of our job at the Foundation is connecting you to tools that help move the needle. The Goldwater Institute does work that matters for small business owners, and this story is a good example of why.

Jim Griset owned three buildings on Prescott’s historic Whiskey Row and had a straightforward plan: build a boutique hotel that fits the district’s character.

What followed was anything but straightforward.

The city’s Historic Preservation Commission objected, and when Griset met them, new objections appeared. Meanwhile, the city did not face the same standards when it sold its own building to a developer for hotel construction in the same district–raising questions about how decisions were being made.
Read more →