Celebrating Small Business Week + What’s Ahead in May 🎉

Celebrating Small Business Week + What’s Ahead in May…

Hello!

May is one of our favorite months of the year because it shines a spotlight on what we care about most: small businesses. In celebration of National Small Business Week, we’re turning the mic to our community and highlighting our grant recipients by asking a simple but powerful question: What do you love most about being a small business owner? Their answers are a reminder of the passion, resilience, and purpose that fuel entrepreneurship every day. You can follow along (and show them some love) on our Instagram.

We’re also spotlighting two additional grantees in today’s newsletter, Johann of Exceptional Vibes and Dr. Lindsey Sandys, founder of Koa Pediatrics. Be sure to check out their stories below and get to know some of the faces who make up the landscape of the Arizona small business ecosystem.

And the most exciting part of the month? On May 13, we’re gearing up for our next Beyond Business: The Money Playbook.This session is all about having honest, practical conversations around money—how to navigate it, grow it, and feel more empowered in your financial decisions as a business owner. This event is free to join, and we’d love to have you in the room for this one.

As always, if something in this newsletter sparks an idea, a question, or a conversation, don’t hesitate to reach out.

With gratitude and excitement for May,

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.

This month we’re highlighting the man at the helm: Mike Spangenberg, CEO of State Forty Eight and Board Chairman of the Foundation. Click the video below to hear from him.

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.

Meet Dr. Lindsey Sandys, OTD, OTR/L, occupational and feeding therapist and owner of Koa Pediatric Therapy, a Scottsdale-based clinic specializing in early childhood development. Through a holistic, relationship-driven approach, Lindsey is redefining pediatric therapy by creating a supportive, collaborative environment where children and families can thrive. With support from the State Forty Eight Foundation grant, Koa is expanding its space, investing in new equipment, and bringing on additional therapists to serve more families across Arizona.

Learn More Here

Founded in 2024 by Johann Warnholtz, Exceptional Vibe is a greater Phoenix–based events and marketing company creating experiences designed with the attendee in mind. Exceptional Vibe is behind events like Arizona Brunch Fest, Sunday Dinner, and the Superstition Festival. In just over a year Johann has produced more than a dozen events, grown his team, and earned a 2025 State Forty Eight Foundation grant. The grant is helping Exceptional Vibe expand its capabilities by investing in event equipment to help bring more high-quality experiences across Arizona.

Learn More Here

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

We’re proud to spotlight our longtime partners at Four Peaks Brewing Company, a brand that embodies the spirit of Arizona entrepreneurship. What began as a passion project among friends has grown into one of the state’s most iconic craft breweries, rooted in community, creativity, and quality. This year marks a major milestone as Four Peaks celebrates 30 years in Arizona! From their early days brewing in Tempe to becoming a statewide favorite, their journey shows what’s possible when vision, grit, and local support come together. Beyond the beer, Four Peaks continues to show up for Arizona in meaningful ways, consistently investing back into the community they’ve helped shape. We’re grateful for their partnership over the years and proud to celebrate this milestone alongside them. Cheers to what they’ve built and what’s ahead.