A decade of igniting entrepreneurship, Gauntlet business competition begins 10th year
Applications are now being accepted for the 10th annual Gauntlet business program and competition. Over the past decade, the program has built a network of more than 1000 Gauntlet Alumni/entrepreneurs, 300 industry experts who serve as mentors and has provided entrepreneurs and communities with over $7 million in resources to advance business development and innovation.
State Farm donates $35,000 to help local businesses through the Gauntlet
A major grant has been awarded to the advancement foundation to help entrepreneurs working to start or expand their business. State Farm has awarded $35,000 through the opportunity and purpose driven economic development grant program.
140 local entrepreneurs begin week 2 of the Gauntlet Business Program
Over the 10-week course, entrepreneurs will learn skills in order to create a business plan. Annette Patterson, president of the Advancement Foundation, said itโs crucial for all business owners to have a written business plan in order to map out their idea, understand what works, what doesnโt and truly grasp if their business is fiscally sound.
Local business owner turned philanthropic powerhouse recognized for supporting others
A Roanoke business owner took the title of two big honors in one day. Marj Easterling, owner of Big Lick screen printing found out she won the title of Most Savvy Entrepreneur in Roanoker magazineโs โBest of 2020,โ and that morning she was named citizen of the year from the Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce
More than 50 local entrepreneurs competing for prize money to fund their business idea
One step closer to making their business dreams come true, nearly 50 local entrepreneurs submitted their business plans this week to be judged in the Gauntlet. The Gauntlet is the stateโs largest business competition program that has helped hundreds of local businesses start or expand over the past 7 years.
Creating an entrepreneurial ecosystem: A look at how SWVA is fostering entrepreneurship
Itโs called โan entrepreneurial ecosystem.โ Fostering entrepreneurship has become a core focus of economic development in cities and countries around the world. Tapping into the entrepreneurial ecosystem is a core lesson taught in the program. AdOften, local businesses support other local businesses, knowing theyโre each stronger together. Amanda Forrester with the Roanoke Regional Small Business Development Center said thatโs a trend in Southwest Virginia, especially during the pandemic. The community plays a big role in creating an entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The Gauntlet expands locations to help more entrepreneurs during the coronavirus pandemic
ROANOKE, Va. โ In an effort to make more entrepreneursโ dreams come true, the Advancement Foundation is expanding its business competition. Fourteen more locations, mainly in Bedford County, are on The Gauntletโs list to help. The business competition wants to use its resources to rebuild economies again, especially after taking a hit during the pandemic. โIt really helps provide a sense of security which is more important than ever,โ the Advancement Foundation President Annette Patterson said. And then the pandemic hit and everything came to a screeching halt,โ Oiler said.
Whats News Today, I-64 shutdown, school reopening plans
ROANOKE, Va. All westbound lanes of Interstate 64 in the Longdale Furnace community, will be closed at mile marker 35 today. The closure will be in place from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the next couple of days. Theres a free walk-in COVID-19 testing site in Roanoke today. The Virginia High School League Executive Committee will meet today. They will answer questions about the transition from essential operations to modified operations, which is schedule to take place on August 3rd.
The Gauntlet celebrates five years of small business growth in Roanoke Valley
VINTON, Va. โ The Roanoke Valleyโs own The Gauntlet celebrated the end of its fifth season Thursday night. Entrepreneurs once again competed in Virginia's largest business growth competition. They were recognized for their hard work and growth over the last few months at the Vinton War Memorial. The Advancement Foundation is behind the program and said as the program continues to grow, so do the opportunities for businesses right here at home. We want to keep our talent here," Advancement Foundation President Annette Patterson said.
Advancement Foundation helps small businesses thrive
ROANOKE, VA (WSLS10) A non-profit in the town of Vinton is working to create an environment for small businesses to thrive. Workers at the Advancement Foundation are helping business owners build a solid plan so they can start their own business. "It makes me feel great to know that it's there but I would have liked to have known about it a long time ago," Habibah Yasin, the owner of Black Diamond Beauty Salon said. They help entrepreneurs by linking them up with small business owners who can mentor them to make sure they are on the right track. โResearch shows that small business failure is common but businesses that come through a business incubator are about 87% successful which is unbelievable,โ Annette Patterson, the president of the Advancement Foundation said.