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 it’s crucial for all business owners to have a written business plan in order to map out their idea, understand what works, what doesn’t and truly grasp if their business is fiscally sound.
$65,000 award given to help build business in Bedford
If you have a great business idea, now is your chance to get funding and become your own boss. Applications are open for the 8th annual Gauntlet Business Program and Competition. New this year, a matching grant program to help more entrepreneurs in Martinsville. Uptown partnership with match funding from the city of Martinsville was selected to receive $90,000 through the governor's community business launch grant.
Entrepreneurs get $90,000 to help build business in Uptown Martinsville
If you have a great business idea, now is your chance to get funding and become your own boss. Applications are open for the 8th annual Gauntlet Business Program and Competition. New this year, a matching grant program to help more entrepreneurs in Martinsville. Uptown partnership with match funding from the city of Martinsville was selected to receive $90,000 through the governor's community business launch grant.
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 magazine’s “Best of 2020,” 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 state’s largest business competition program that has helped hundreds of local businesses start or expand over the past 7 years.
Turning a profit for progress: How a local business owner is helping other female entrepreneurs
ROANOKE, Va. – Turning a profit for progress, a local entrepreneur is starting a business to help women in Latin American communities by bringing a piece of Ecuador to Roanoke. Woven Artisan Gallery is an online collection of artisan products for your home handcrafted by women in Ecuador. It’s a passion project for Roanoke architect Josephine Arbaugh, originally from Ecuador, who’s starting the business with the help of the Gauntlet Business Program and Competition. Arbaugh’s mission is to partner with artisans and designers to help them overcome barriers to success that female entrepreneurs face in developing countries. Learn more and keep up to date on the business opening through the Woven Artisan Gallery Facebook page.
JH Bards Spirit Co. opens as Pulaski County’s first distillery
PULASKI COUNTY, Va. – Pulaski County is getting its first distillery. JH Bards Spirit Co. opens this weekend. It’s been two years in the making and a New River Valley location was always part of the dream. AdAs the spirit company hits restaurants and shelves across the country, Pulaski County Administrator Jonathan Sweet said it is showcasing some of the best of Pulaski County and the New River Family. JH Bards Spirt Co. will be open Friday to Sunday 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. During the week they will offer private tastings.
Growing community profit: Local business taps into medicinal herb industry
Corporate responsibility is a key element in Taproot Botanical Alliance, a Floyd County start-up by David Grimsley, that teaches farmers to diversify their crops by growing medicinal herbs. “Taproot Botanical Alliance was created to address all three of these aspects. Grimsley said the medicinal herb industry is booming right now and can be an excellent revenue stream for farmers willing to learn the business. Ashwagandha is a medicinal herb. For more information about Taproot Botanical Alliance, email David Grimsley: taprootbotanicalalliance@gmail.com .
Roanoke businesswoman offered full-scholarship to compete in Gauntlet, expand her business
ROANOKE, Va. – Strengthening female business leaders in the local Latin American community, the Latinas Network is partnering with the Gauntlet business program and competition this year. “My goal is for business owners to have more time to focus on what matters by providing business solutions,” Savany said on her website. She has recognized the need for online tax services, notary, bookkeeping and more since the start of the pandemic and has continued to expand her offerings. AdSavany is one of more than 100 local entrepreneurs competing in the Gauntlet business program and competition this year. She said the course has been very beneficial to her business and a wonderful opportunity she is thankful for.
7-year-old who sells lemonade becomes youngest entrepreneur in the Gauntlet
ROANOKE, Va. – Making history at seven years old, Judah Clements is the youngest entrepreneur to ever be accepted into the Gauntlet program. Selling lemonade under his nickname Judah Bug, he is ready to bottle his product and start selling online. Looking for some help, Judah and his family, turned to The Gauntlet. “I found out that it takes a lot of work,” Judah said. Ad“It’s going to inspire them to do a business,” Judah said.