Events: Arizona - Phoenix - Scottsdale

PHOENIX – The State Forty Eight Foundation is launching its second annual Entrepreneur Speaker Series, a free four-part educational and networking event for current and aspiring business owners in Arizona. Beginning August 3rd, the organization will host weekly sessions inviting budding entrepreneurs to learn directly from some of Arizona’s most remarkable founders, CEOs, and industry experts.

“As a foundation, one of our main initiatives is to drive local innovation through the support and empowerment of Arizona entrepreneurs,” says State Forty Eight Foundation Executive Director, Alyssa Moore. “The Entrepreneur Speaker Series program is one of the most impactful ways we’ve been able to accomplish this.”

In 2021 the foundation awarded more than $12K to small business owners in the Valley and they intend to double that this year, offering $25K in small business grants to qualifying applicants. 

The series will be held in person at the brand new Walter Studios in Downtown Phoenix, with a livestream ticket option available as well. Sessions will take place weekly on Wednesdays from August 3 to August 24^. and will feature the following topics and speakers:

Wednesday, Aug. 3rd - Building Your Vision
Kirk Strawn, Founder - Walter Productions
Paige Dimakos, CEO - The Draft Network

Wednesday, Aug. 10th - Cover Your Bases: Legal & Financial Planning
Hua Chen, Esq., Patent & Trademark Attorney - Booth Udall
Ruth Carter, Esq., Evil Genius - Geek Law Firm
Michael Fussell, JD, LLM, CPA, - Tax Law Associates, LLC

Wednesday, Aug. 17th - Marketing Matters: Building & Growing Your Business
Ashley Richards, Founder & CEO - E Squared Marketing
Scott Harkey, Founder & CEO - OH Advertising
Terrence Murtagh, Entrepreneur & Investor - Heavy Pedal & First Place Coffee
Sara Schmillen, VP of Marketing - Kahala Brands|Cold Stone Creamery

Wednesday, Aug. 24th - Build it to Last: Systems & Processes
Dr. Radi Rahiminedjad, Founder & CEO - Backfit Health & Spine
McKenzie Collier, Founder - Mackenzie Collier Interiors & Interior Design Business Coach

“Starting a business isn’t easy and knowing where to start or how to grow can be a hurdle for many people,” says State Forty Eight Foundation Board President, Zach Hall. “We want to bridge the gap, and creating opportunities for free education and resources will not only help these individuals, it will enrich our communities and strengthen our local economy.”

The sessions will be a mixture of expert guidance and inspiration through storytelling, and provide access to professional resources and tools shared by series speakers. In-person attendees will have the opportunity to connect with fellow entrepreneurs and local business community members during the networking portion of the evening. 

To learn more about grant eligibility and to register for the free series, visit www.sfef-speakerseries.org. 

About the State Forty Eight Foundation
State Forty Eight Foundation is a 501c3 founded in 2020 by the state-centric apparel brand, State Forty Eight. With a vision to foster a vibrant and prosperous Arizona, the foundation is dedicated to supporting Arizona’s entrepreneurs and its startup community through education and access to resources, as well as inspiring action through volunteer-driven events which benefit the community at large. Since its inception, State Forty Eight Foundation has engaged with more than 200 entrepreneurs (and counting), 336 volunteers, and has helped raise over $17,000 in donations for various causes. To learn more about State Forty Eight Foundation’s ongoing initiatives, follow State Forty Eight Foundation on Instagram and Facebook accounts or visit www.statefortyeightfoundation.org.