The Advancement Foundation announced the completion of Phase 2 of the Virginia Innovation Accelerator, a space designed to support early-stage and high-growth companies. They will be holding a ribbon-cutting event on Dec. 3.

If you have an idea to start your own business, or already have a business you are looking to expand, registration is now open for the 11th annual Gauntlet Business Program and Competition hosted by the Advancement Foundation.

More than 100 local entrepreneurs are working to take their business ideas to the next level.

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.

It’s time to announce our 3 Degree Guarantee recipient!

Hundreds of participants who completed the Gauntlet program will now be eligible to receive college credit.

Supporting local entrepreneurs and small businesses in Southwest Virginia, State Farm has awarded The Advancement Foundation in Vinton a $35,000 grant to help sustain and scale the Commonwealth’s largest business program and competition. During a time when it is needed most, State Farm and The Advancement Foundation say their organizations aim to increase business development to rebuild the local economy. “State Farm is proud to provide funding for The Gauntlet through the Advancement Foundation,” said State Farm spokesperson Kate Beadle. AdApplications are now open for the 7th Annual GAUNTLET Business Program and Competition online. For more information, interested entrepreneurs, mentors, sponsors, and community leaders can visit here.

ROANOKE, Va. – The Advancement Foundation puts on Virginia’s largest business program and competition called The Gauntlet. This year’s winner was Nick Morgan the owner of Formable Grabber.