VINTON, Va. – If you have an idea to start your own business or already have a business you are looking to expand, registration is still open for the 11th annual Gauntlet Business Program and Competition hosted by the Advancement Foundation. Virtual classes began January 28th with more than 100 entrepreneurs signed up for the program.
Gauntlet is Virginia’s Largest Business Program and Competition and offers a proven formula to develop business knowledge, by pairing entrepreneurs with mentors, and opening up numerous resources for new and expanding businesses. Board member Becky Freemal said Gauntlet is a great way for entrepreneurs to connect with others and help build a network of business owners within the community.
“It comes with an entrepreneurial ecosystem that we built over the last 10 years and even before that. It’s like a self-made community that you get to be invited and welcomed into. It’s not just the mentors, and the businesses, and all the people on the outskirts helping elevate and cheer you on with their advice and mentorship, but you also find that networking within the class,” Freemal said.
Gauntlet is a cross-regional network of innovators, entrepreneurs, community business leaders, and industry experts that leverage all the assets of the entrepreneurial ecosystem across the state with a focus on Roanoke, Shenandoah, New River Valleys, Alleghany, Southside, and far Southwest Virginia. The comprehensive and immersive Gauntlet ecosystem is powered by The Advancement Foundation, a 501C3 that has served over 1100 innovators/entrepreneurs for over a decade. Over $8 million in resources have been brought to bear for entrepreneurs and communities served.
The Gauntlet program offers virtual classes, industry mentor meetings, and networking sessions over 10 weeks, from January through April, followed by a two-week evaluation of business plans and pitch presentations. It culminates with a cross-regional award ceremony that grants more than $300,000 in cash and in-kind prizes.
Applications are now open online for this year’s competition. For more information, interested entrepreneurs, mentors, sponsors, and community leaders can visit here.
Registration remains open until the third week of class, February 11.