Kismet Kloset wins local competition

For the fifth consecutive year, the Moonshot Rural Arizona Pitch Competition returned to Globe-Miami on Thursday, giving rural entrepreneurs the opportunity to pitch their businesses in a "Shark Tank"-style competition. 

Hosted by Arizona nonprofit Moonshot, the touring event stops in 20 rural communities across the state each year. Five businesses competed in this year's Globe-Miami-Payson event held at Gila Community College’s campus in Globe. 

Taking first place was Kismet Kloset, a consignment store that opened in Globe in January. The business donates its earnings to its partner nonprofit, Kismet Foundation, which supports local education, underserved populations, community revitalization and animal welfare.

Kismet Kloset received a $2,500 first-place award and advanced to the statewide competition in Phoenix on Oct. 24, where the business will compete for a $10,000 grand prize.

Second place and a $1,250 award went to The Miner's Board, a recently launched charcuterie business in Globe owned by Kiana Thompson. 

Conch, a privacy-focused communication app being developed in Globe by Travis Harley, earned third place and a $750 award. 

Also participating were Barb Holtzen of Payson, owner and operator of Miami's former YMCA building, and Globe-based marriage and family therapist Kristen Walker, who pitched a business concept for therapy tote bags containing mental health tools. 

All five participants received a Moonshot membership that includes mentorship, educational programming and access to investors and funding opportunities. 

Local sponsors of the event were the Arizona Small Business Development Center, the City of Globe, Freeport McMoRan, Gila Community College and the Gila County Economic Development Corporation.