State Forty Eight Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 Entrepreneur Grant Awards. The eight awardees were honored during the Foundation’s annual Winners’ Circle Celebration presented by SRP and Four Peaks Brewing Co.

This year, the Foundation awarded a total of $50,000 to eight Arizona-based small businesses spanning wellness, food and beverage, retail, events, youth development, fitness, and creative services. Selected from 75 applications, these entrepreneurs were recognized for their commitment to their ventures, their communities, and their clear vision for sustainable growth.

“When we invest in Arizona’s entrepreneurs, we’re not just supporting individual businesses—we’re building the economic fabric of our state’s future,” said Executive Director Kristin Priscella. “At State Forty Eight Foundation, we’re backing the visionaries who see possibilities where others see challenges. These eight grant recipients represent the innovation, resilience, and community-focused leadership that prove Arizona’s entrepreneurial spirit is thriving.”

Meet the 2025 State Forty Eight Foundation Entrepreneur Grant Recipients:

Naked Fig Soap
Founder: Madeline Harn
A handmade skincare brand producing plant-based soaps and body care products with a focus on sustainability and small-batch craftsmanship. Learn more at nakedfigsoap.com.
Grant Awarded: $10,000

Cruizin For A Brewzin
Founder: Diamond Quinones
A mobile beverage business offering elevated coffee and cocktail service while giving back to the community by supporting foster children throughout Arizona.Learn more at cruizinforabrewzin.com.
Grant Awarded: $7,500

Everything Etched
Founders: Liz Ann Hewett & Tyler Cadwell
A custom engraving and design studio specializing in personalized products and live, on-site engraving experiences. Learn more at everythingetched.com.
Grant Awarded: $7,500

Exceptional Vibe
Founder: Johann Warnholtz
An event production and experience company creating high-energy community gatherings, brand activations, and live events across Arizona. Learn more at exceptionalvibe.com.
Grant Awarded: $5,000

KOA Pediatric Therapy
Founder: Lindsey Sandys
A pediatric therapy practice offering occupational therapy and developmental support to children and families across Arizona. Learn more at koapediatrictherapy.com.
Grant Awarded: $5,000

The Spaghetti Shack
Founder: Joey Perez
A locally owned restaurant serving handcrafted Italian comfort food with a community-first approach. Learn more at thespaghettishack.com.
Grant Awarded: $5,000

Produce Your Life
Founder: Daaron Battle
A youth-centered organization empowering the next generation through creative and entrepreneurial education in digital media, music, and storytelling. Learn more at proyourlife.com.
Grant Awarded: $5,000

Barbell Effect
Founder: Jose Perez
A community-focused fitness studio providing strength training, athletic development, and youth programming in Laveen. Learn more at barbelleffect.com.
Grant Awarded: $5,000

“Our role goes beyond writing checks,” said Board President Sentari Minor. “We’re committed to fostering a connected, supportive community where entrepreneurs can learn, grow, and thrive together. As Arizona continues to emerge as a leading place to build a business, we’re proud to invest in the founders helping shape that landscape.”

The Small Business Grant Program is directly connected to the Foundation’s Entrepreneur Speaker Series, which serves as the gateway to grant eligibility. Entrepreneurs who attend gain access to education, resources, a thriving community, and the opportunity to apply for funding—creating a holistic ecosystem of support.

The 2025 program culminated with the Winners’ Circle Celebration, bringing together 120 business owners, community leaders, and other stakeholders to celebrate these innovators and entrepreneurs. The Foundation extends its gratitude to key partners and sponsors who make this work possible, including the official local financial partner of the State Forty Eight Foundation, OneAZ Credit Union, Four Peaks Brewing Co., The Arizona Lottery, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, SRP, Rafi’s Hope, OGeez! and V Digital Services.

To date, the State Forty Eight Foundation has awarded more than $187,000 to 52 Arizona small businesses, fueling local dreams and driving prosperity through entrepreneurship.