THE GAUNTLET

Crunch time for 120 local entrepreneurs who were vying to win the state’s largest business competition: The Gauntlet.The 10-week course wrapped up Tuesday night for their final virtual meeting.

There are more than 100 entrepreneurs participating in this year’s Gauntlet business program.

Every great business idea starts by creating a solution to a problem, and that’s what Electric Iris owner Natalie Ashton is printing up.

If you have a great idea for a business, now is your chance to make it happen.

The Gauntlet, now in its ninth year, is Virginia’s largest business program and competition.

Tuesday is International Women’s Day and we’re celebrating women around the world and here at home.

Megan and Lindsey sit down with the winner of The Gauntlet competition!

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.

It’s called “an entrepreneurial ecosystem.” 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 they’re each stronger together. Amanda Forrester with the Roanoke Regional Small Business Development Center said that’s a trend in Southwest Virginia, especially during the pandemic. The community plays a big role in creating an entrepreneurial ecosystem.

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.

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. Copyright 2019 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved.

VINTON, Va. – The Roanoke Valley’s 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.