Assisting Businesses with the Innovate Waste Challenge

The City of Flagstaff is taking innovative steps to promote entrepreneurship and sustainability with two new programs aimed at supporting local businesses and addressing community needs.

The first initiative, the Innovate Waste Challenge, is a collaboration between the City of Flagstaff, Moonshot, and Northern Arizona University. This competition offers funding from the Economic Development portion of the Bed, Board, and Beverage tax to businesses that have developed solutions to address city goals through for-profit enterprises. Whether it’s diverting waste from landfills, conserving water, or reducing climate impacts, entrepreneurs with ideas to create jobs and wealth while benefiting the community are encouraged to participate. Winners can receive a portion of the $30,000 challenge to bring their ideas to life and make Flagstaff a better place.

In addition to the Innovate Waste Challenge, the city has partnered with Local First Arizona to bring the Green Business Boot Camp to Flagstaff. This program aims to help businesses reduce energy and water use by up to 20%, ultimately lowering operating costs and supporting the city’s Water Conservation and Climate Action goals.

These initiatives demonstrate the city’s commitment to fostering economic development while promoting sustainability and addressing community needs. By supporting local businesses and encouraging entrepreneurship, Flagstaff is paving the way for a more prosperous and resilient future. To learn more about these programs and how to get involved, visit the respective websites provided.