Building a business can feel exciting, rewarding, and—at times—overwhelming. From navigating big decisions and finding the right resources to connecting with others who understand the journey, entrepreneurship is not meant to be done alone.

State Forty Eight Foundation’s signature Entrepreneur Speaker Series was created for Arizona business owners and entrepreneurs looking for the support, insight, and connections needed to keep moving forward. This immersive, two-day experience brings together Arizona’s entrepreneurial community for meaningful conversations, expert-led sessions, and opportunities to connect with fellow business owners who are navigating similar challenges.

Hear from Arizona founders, executives, and industry leaders as they share real stories, practical strategies, and lessons learned from building and growing their businesses. Beyond the sessions, attendees will have more opportunities than ever to build relationships through dedicated networking, our Vendor Village experience, and connections with organizations and resources designed to support Arizona’s small business community.

Whether you’re launching your first idea, looking for your next growth opportunity, or simply seeking a community that understands the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, the Entrepreneur Speaker Series is a place to learn, connect, and grow.

Attending at least one of the two days qualifies you to apply for the 2026 Entrepreneur Grant Program - your chance to turn insight into investment in your business.

Your seat is waiting. Your community is, too.

WHEN:

Day 1: Saturday, Sept. 12
Day 2: Saturday, Sept. 26
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

FREE TO ATTEND

Plus a Virtual Option!

RESERVE YOUR
TICKETS HERE

Keynote Speakers & Panelists Coming Soon!  

DAY ONE | SEPTEMBER 12

BUILD YOUR FOUNDATION

Where does Arizona entrepreneurship stand today, and where do you fit in? Day 1 opens with a keynote on the state of entrepreneurship across Arizona, then turns inward with sessions on mastering the business of money and protecting your well-being while you build. Lay your foundation on Day 1, then join us September 26 to learn how to grow beyond it.

Keynote: The State of Hustle

Where Arizona entrepreneurship stands today, and where it's headed next.

Arizona is one of the fastest-growing places in the country to start and build a business, but what does that actually mean for the entrepreneurs on the ground? In this opening keynote, we'll take a clear-eyed look at the current landscape of entrepreneurship across the state: the industries gaining momentum, the shifts in funding and consumer behavior, and the opportunities and challenges shaping what it takes to build here right now.

More than numbers and headlines, this conversation sets the stage for everything that follows. Because before we talk about cash flow, capital, and the resilience it takes to keep showing up, we need to understand the environment we're all building in. You'll leave with a sharper picture of the moment we're in, and a stronger sense of your place in Arizona's entrepreneurial story.

Session 1: The Business of Money

Mastering financial discipline, understanding cash flow, and building a stronger financial foundation.

Building a successful business starts with understanding the numbers behind it. In this session, we’ll explore the financial habits, strategies, and decisions that help businesses build a strong foundation and stand the test of time.

Hear from financial experts and experienced business owners as they share real-world insights on managing cash flow, planning for growth, and navigating the financial challenges that come with entrepreneurship. We’ll unpack the unseen costs of running a business and tackle the questions every founder faces, from how much capital you really need to get started, to how to make smarter financial decisions as your business grows.

No matter where you are in your entrepreneurship journey, this session will provide practical tools, bring honest conversations to the forefront, and give you actionable takeaways to help you better understand the business of money.

Session 2: Built Different. Still Human.

Resilience, routines and real talk. The importance of mental health for entrepreneurs.

Entrepreneurship requires resilience, adaptability, and the ability to navigate uncertainty, but building a successful business shouldn’t come at the expense of your own well-being.

In this session, hear from founders, business leaders, and  experts as they share the realities of entrepreneurship beyond the numbers. We’ll explore the routines, habits, and mindset shifts that help entrepreneurs manage stress, avoid burnout, and continue showing up for their businesses and themselves.

From setting boundaries and creating sustainable practices to navigating the highs and lows of business ownership, this conversation offers an honest look at what it takes to build a business while staying grounded along the way.

DAY TWO | SEPTEMBER 26

SET YOURSELF APART

What makes customers choose you, and keep choosing you? Day 2 opens with a keynote case study following one Arizona business's journey from small footprint to major scale, then looks inward at what sets thriving businesses apart: marketing with purpose that turns attention into action, and customer service so memorable it becomes your competitive edge. Pair it with Day 1's foundation for the full picture.

Keynote: Born Here. Built Beyond.

A case study in scale, from small Arizona footprint to regional and national reach.

Every big brand started small. In this keynote, we'll go inside the journey of a business that began right here in Arizona with a small footprint and big ambition, and follow the real decisions, risks, and turning points that took it regional and national.

This isn't a highlight reel. It's an honest case study in scale: knowing when to grow and when to wait, building systems and teams that can stretch, staying true to your brand as your audience multiplies, and keeping the customer experience that made people love you in the first place.


Session 1: Marketing with Purpose

Brand storytelling, relationship-driven sales, and practical marketing strategies that turn attention into action.

Creating a great product or service is only half the battle—the other half is making sure the right people know about it. With more marketing channels than ever before, it can be difficult to know where to invest your time, energy, and budget. How do you reach the right audience? What marketing strategies actually work? And how do you turn attention into loyal customers?

In this session, hear from Arizona's leading marketers, founders, and business owners as they share the strategies behind building recognizable brands and sustainable sales pipelines. From brand storytelling and relationship-driven selling to content marketing, paid advertising, community partnerships, and grassroots marketing, you'll gain practical insights into what drives growth in today's marketplace.

You'll walk away with actionable ideas and a clearer roadmap for attracting customers and growing your business.

Session 2: Service is Strategy

How exceptional customer service and memorable experiences build loyalty, trust, and long-term growth.

In today's competitive marketplace, your product or service is only part of what sets your business apart. The experience you create—from the first interaction to long after the sale—can be the difference between a one-time customer and a lifelong advocate.

Join Arizona business leaders, hospitality professionals, and customer experience experts as they share the strategies behind building brands people trust, recommend, and return to. Learn how to create memorable customer experiences, navigate difficult service moments with confidence, and build a culture where exceptional service becomes a competitive advantage.

Whether you're a team of one or leading a team, you'll leave with practical ideas for strengthening customer relationships, building loyalty, and creating experiences that keep people coming back.

REGISTER TODAY!

Our Host

Picture of Mike Spangenberg

Lisa Matthews | Day 1 Moderator

Content Creator & Host

Lisa Charisse Matthews is an Emmy Award-winning reporter and former host for the Arizona Cardinals, where she delivered exclusive multimedia content across platforms. A proud ASU alumna, she launched her career with Fox Sports Arizona and other major outlets before shifting into entrepreneurship in 2020 with MONAT, where she now ranks in the top 1% of the company. A lifelong sports fan and dynamic host, Lisa continues to lead events, podcasts, and interviews, all while balancing life as a fire wife and mom of three active kids.

Picture of Mike Spangenberg

Sentari Minor | Day 2 Moderator

Executive Vice President & Chief of Staff, evolvedMD | President, State Forty Eight Foundation Board of Directors

Sentari Minor is Vice President of Strategy and Chief of Staff at evolvedMD, where he leads initiatives across corporate strategy, growth, branding, culture, and business development. A passionate strategist and storyteller, he has spent his career helping purpose-driven organizations scale their impact through leadership, stakeholder engagement, and social innovation. Sentari also serves as President of the Board of Directors for the State Forty Eight Foundation, helping advance its mission to fuel Arizona entrepreneurship. A nationally recognized speaker and mentor, he frequently shares insights on leadership, strategy, marketing, and social impact, and was named one of the Phoenix Business Journal's40 Under 40 in 2022 for his contributions to Arizona's business and nonprofit communities.

Vendor Village


Vendor Village brings together Arizona-owned businesses and entrepreneur-support organizations showcasing their products, services, and resources. This space offers opportunities for attendees to connect, discover local businesses, and engage with organizations supporting Arizona’s entrepreneurial community.

Interested in becoming a vendor? Please complete the form below and we will be in touch!

VENDOR APPLICATION

We're awarding $50,000 in grant funding to Arizona business owners

State Forty Eight Foundation is committed to helping entrepreneurs get their business ideas into our communities.

Because we stand by our mission to foster the entrepreneurial spirit, we’ve created a grant fund for business owners who join us live and fulfill the outlined requirements.

Eligible attendees will have the opportunity to apply and receive up to $10,000 from the grant pool.

Meet some of our 2024 Entrepreneur Grant Recipients

Entrepreneur Grants Program

Attendees will be eligible to apply for a grant by fulfilling the following requirements:

Attend 1 of 2 Days Live

In person or virtual livestream

Fill Out 1 Post-Session Survey

Emailed to attendees after each session

Submit a Grant Application

All attendees will receive a grant information email on 9/27, which includes details on the process and a link to the application.

Grant Info Sessions

Questions about the application process or how to best position your business? Join us for a virtual grant workshop session to learn more and ask questions!

Save the Date! Registration Links Coming Soon:
September 16th Grant Workshop
September 30th Grant Workshop

Attendance is not required for grant eligibility.

Interested in more resources?

Revisit the live recorded  Entrepreneur Speaker Series sessions from previous years:

Thank You to Our Generous Community Supporters

BECOME A SPONSOR
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